War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

AV-8C

2024-01-31T19:59:08Z

U88940890: /* History */

{{About
| about = American strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Harrier (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=av_8c
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The United States Marine Corps (USMC) adopted the [[AV-8A|AV-8A Harrier]] in 1971 for their amphibious operations, being part of the USMC's ambitious goals of utilizing the Harrier's V/STOL capabilities to operate from rudimentary airfields and smaller carriers while being able to provide close air support needed on land. Needs for improvements has the USMC seek out the more advanced Harrier II, but until enough number of Harrier II is available, the USMC sought to improve their AV-8A fleet with upgrades and improvements to keep them relevant. In 1979, 47 AV-8A were selected for improvements into the AV-8C that saw the integration of a radar warning receiver (RWR) and countermeasures into the airframe, avionic upgrades, and service life extension. The AV-8C and preceding AV-8A variant would both be retired in 1987.

The AV-8C was introduced in the game in [[Update "New Power"]] along with its AV-8A predecessor. Like all members of the [[Harrier (Family)|Harrier family]], the AV-8C is a [[VTOL]] aircraft with thrust vectoring nozzles, which allow it to take off and land vertically. In terms of flight performance and air-to-air capabilities, the AV-8C is nearly unchanged from the AV-8A, but it contains new capabilities that players would appreciate over the AV-8A. Firstly, the countermeasure dispenser is now integrated into the aircraft, and while this doesn't give as many countermeasures as the pod in the AV-8A, it does free up a hard point for munitions rather than a countermeasure pod. The AV-8C also comes with a RWR, allowing players to better be able to assess if they are being tracked by a radar. These new capabilities augment the AV-8C into a more capable strike fighters to assess the airspace and destroy the target more easily.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 0 m - sea level)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 1,143 || 1,137 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 32.5 || 33.7 || 69.5 || 67.8 || rowspan="2" | 550
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,161 || 1,152 || 31.5 || 32.0 || 106.1 || 87.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 828 || 556 || ~14 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 648 || < 950 || < 790 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic Mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot, engine oil, and full water tank; but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Rolls-Royce F402-RR-402 || 1
| colspan="2" | 5,918 kg || colspan="3" | 439 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 34m fuel
|-
| 1,687 kg || colspan="2" | Vectored-thrust low-bypass turbofan
| 6,605 kg || 7,292 kg || 7,978 kg || 8,253 kg || 12,679 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 34m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 9,071 kgf || 9,625 kgf
| 1.46 || 1.32 || 1.21 || 1.17 || 0.76
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 9,071 kgf (0 km/h) || 9,625 kgf (0 km/h)
| 1.46 || 1.32 || 1.21 || 1.17 || 0.76
|-
|}
{{Notice|The F402-RR-402 engine loses a significant amount of thrust as your speed increases}}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}

The AV-8C has no armour. The engine and all fuel tanks are packed in a tight cluster in the centre of the fuselage.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|ADEN Mk.4 (30 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* A choice between two presets:
** 2 x 30 mm ADEN Mk.4 cannons, belly-mounted (130 rpg = 260 total)
** 2 x 30 mm ADEN Mk.4 cannons + 60 x countermeasures

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}


The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="9%" | 1 !! width="9%" | 2 !! width="9%" | 3 !! width="9%" | 4 !! width="9%" | 5
| rowspan="10" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_Harrier_GR.3.png]]</div>
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|250 lb LDGP Mk 81]] bombs
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[Mk 81 Snakeye (250 lb)|250 lb Mk 81 Snakeye]] bombs
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[Mk 82 Snakeye (500 lb)|500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye]] bombs
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83]] bombs
| || 1 || || 1 ||
|-
! [[Mk 77 mod 4 incendiary]] bombs
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] rockets
| 7, 19 || 7, 19 || || 7, 19 || 7, 19
|-
! [[Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP]] rockets
| 4 || 4 || || 4 || 4
|-
! [[AIM-9G Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || || || || 1
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}

* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles
* 28 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 16 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 5 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (1,250 lb total)
* 5 x 250 lb Mk 81 Snakeye bombs (1,250 lb total)
* 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (2,500 lb total)
* 5 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (2,500 lb total)
* 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 5 x Mk 77 mod 4 incendiary bombs
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

The AV-8C can be considered a multirole aircraft which can focus in air-to-air combat, air to ground combat and air to sea combat. Its firepower and ordnance make it a competitive aircraft in all game modes. The roles can be divided in such:

'''When air to air:'''

The Harrier has access to AIM-9G Sidewinder air to air missiles capable of taking down all enemy aircraft in the game. It should be noted that the AIM-9G is a rear-aspect lock-on missile, meaning the Harrier must be behind the enemy aircraft to be able to launch the missile.

'''When facing enemy bombers:'''

Enemy bombers are the easiest targets for the Harrier both in gun strafe and when using missiles as they lack agility when dogfighting against the Harrier and countermeasures such as flares to be able to counter the missiles. It is unlikely to face enemy bombers besides the [[Vautour IIA IDF/AF (France)|Vautour IIA IDF/AF]] as most of them stay at 8.0. AI-controlled bombers are the exception.

'''When facing enemy attackers:'''

When facing player-controlled attackers (not neccesarily planes labelled as attackers but planes who focus on ground striking), the pilot must stay aware that, besides the Harrier superior mobility, they can outturn you as they will often fly at lower speeds than you, meaning their turn radius compared to yours will be much smaller. Most of the enemy planes that do CAS runs will often be enemy fighters (not labelled as attackers) but with ground ordnance, meaning they can or will be heavier than you, increasing drag and reducing agility when in a dogfight, use this as an advantage.

'''As an attacker/bomber:'''

The Harrier has access to a wide variety of ground ordnance capable of destroying enemy ground units and bases. It also has access to CCIP ballistics computer (refer to [[Ballistic Computer]] for explanation) meaning the pilot has access to ground ordnance crosshairs which will increase ordnance accuracy, both rockets and bombs. It is not recommended to fly as a bomber (in terms of altitude) but fly as a tree cutter (as close to the ground as possible). This is recommended to achieve multiple things: radar interference, max speed, reduce enemy visibility and awareness. It also makes bombing easier without the need of ballistics computer (although it is recommended to use it since it will not require any practice). Time fuze MUST BE ADDED to avoid assault fuze explosion, risking your plane to be hit by the explosion causing a death. Ground striking ordnance should be taken at pilot's discretion, but it is recommended to take the 2 x 1000 lb and 3 x 500lb bombs in order to take a whole base completely and still maintain high speeds. You are unable to carry any sort of anti-air missiles with this payload.

*Note: radar interference is mostly irrelevant in air realistic battles as the plane will still be highlighted and enemy pilots could use eye aiming. However, it will interfere with radar homing missiles (SARH missiles such as AIM-7E, R-3R, etc carried by F-4 Phantoms and MiG-21's) and will be your main line of defence when flying in simulator battles, you will be able to fly stealthily if flying in tree cutting tactic.

'''When in combined battles (ground realistic battles):'''

This is where the Harrier is able to shine as an attacker, primarily using VTOL and hovering mode to an advantage (will be explained more detailed later). There is multiple loadouts which can be used in order to make the Harrier a scary attacker.

'''Bomb payload:'''

This is often the most used payload for multiple reasons: has the biggest explosion radius compared to rockets, are more forgiving when missing by couple meters, can take multiple targets with a single bomb. The use of ballistics computer makes their aiming much easier than with eye aiming both in realistic and simulator battles. The x4 1000lb bombs are recommended as, if aimed correctly, will destroy one or multiple enemy targets with a single bomb, meaning you are able to get at least 2 kills (as bombs drop in pair)

'''Rocket payload:'''

This is the trickiest but most rewarding payload the Harrier can carry (rewarding as it is able to make much more kills than bombs). Tanks can be taken with one to three rocket salvos (launched in pairs, meaning with 2 to 6 rockets in total). This means you are able to get 12 kills (considering you take 6 rockets per tank) if you take the 76 x Might Mouse rocket payload.

'''VTOL trick:'''

Harrier can be used as a helicopter thanks to the VTOL capabilities, rockets are recommended if used like this. It is able to hide behind mountains, poke to attack and go back into cover as a helicopter would do. Handling this technique can be tricky and will require practice but is an alternate way of playing CAS.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Thrust vectoring capabilities, helpful in low-speed dogfights
* Insane thrust-to-weight ratio; superb acceleration and climb rate, and can sustain Mach 0.88 in level flight with just 50% throttle
* Excellent roll rate
* Strong flaps
* Versatile secondary weapons consisting of air-to-air missiles, rockets, and bombs
* AIM-9G sidewinders are good long range missiles
* Has a ballistic computer for precision strikes
* 30 mm ADEN cannons do high damage
* High ammo count for the cannons
* Has a [[HUD#410SUM1|Head-Up Display]] in the cockpit which provides flight information and weapon-aiming functionality
* Has a radar warning receiver and countermeasures
* Equipped with an engine fire extinguisher

'''Cons:'''

* Below average top speed (subsonic)
* The engine has an insane overheating problem; running at 91% throttle is recommended to avoid overheating the engine
* Limited maximum payload compared to conventional strike aircraft
* Very poor energy retention; massive energy losses when turning
* Below average turn rate
* ADEN cannons have a low muzzle velocity and are belly-mounted, making some shots difficult
* Guns are highly inaccurate when stock
* literally a flying brick

== History ==


'''Predecessor: AV-8A Harrier'''

The AV-8A Harrier was an American version of the British Harrier GR.1 that entered service with the Marine Corps. Congress approved the purchase of 114 Harriers in 1970. Marine Attack Squadron 513 (VMA-513) was the first squadron to receive its Harriers, with the delivery taking place in March 1971; VMA-231 and VMA-542 received their AV-8As next.

It was mostly similar to the Harrier GR.1, but had a number of changes. All magnesium components were replaced in order to prevent corrosion. American identification friend or foe (IFF) systems and radio equipment were fitted. The British GR.1 was fitted with the Ferranti FE541 inertial navigation/attack suite, but these were replaced in the USMC Harriers by a simpler Interface/Weapon Aiming Computer.

The outer wing pylons were modified to allow the carrying of AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles (AAMs). The AV-8A also utilized a more powerful version of the Rolls-Royce Pegasus than on the GR.1, the Mk 103 (called F402-RR-402 by the Americans).

'''AV-8C Harrier'''

47 AV-8A Harriers were upgraded to the AV-8C standard starting in 1979. Inertial navigation system equipment was added and the Lift Improvement Devices were also improved. Various components were also restored or replaced to increase the service life of the aircraft. The ECM capability was bolstered with the addition of the ALR-45F/APR-43 radar warning receiver and ALE-39 countermeasures dispenser. An AN/ALE-37 chaff-dispenser pod could be carried on a hardpoint.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=av_8c Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[AV-8A]]
* [[Harrier GR.1]]
* [[Harrier GR.3]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6918-development-jump-jets-arrive-in-war-thunder-meet-the-harrier-en|[Devblog] Jump Jets arrive in War Thunder: Meet the Harrier]]

{{AirManufacturer Hawker}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

F-4J Phantom II

2024-01-31T19:54:27Z

U88940890: /* Pros and cons */

{{About
| about = American jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| other
| usage-1 = the premium British version
| link-1 = F-4J(UK) Phantom II
| usage-2 = other versions
| link-2 = F-4 Phantom II (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f-4j
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Winged Lions"]].

The F-4J is one of the most famous variants of the Phantom used by the US Navy. The external appearance closely resembles the [[F-4C]], only missing the unusable IRST underneath the nose. It is a different aircraft from the [[F-4E]], its US Air Force counterpart: lacking the "Agile Eagle" wing slats and devastating Vulcan Gatling cannon, the F-4J is even less suitable for dogfights. It also does not have the F-4E's lethal ground attack arsenal of air-to-ground missiles and glide bombs. The F-4J makes up for these deficiencies by having a very powerful pulse-Doppler radar, long-range AIM-7F missiles, and a unique VTAS helmet-mounted sight for cueing its AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles. This is a Phantom for pilots who can turn technological superiority into air superiority, and it is good preparation for the succeeding [[F-14A Early|F-14A Tomcat]].

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 12,192 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,067 || 2,018 || rowspan="2" | 16,000 || 26.5 || 27.3 || 154.4 || 144.3 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,216 || 2,139 || 25.5 || 26.0 || 217.6 || 184.5
|-
|}

The F-4J's flight performance is underwhelming for its battle rating. It has about the same climb rate, top speed, and acceleration as the [[F-4E]], which are good, but the lack of Agile Eagle slats prevents it from turning well even in the short term, and it will lose dogfights to almost every contemporary aircraft. The British [[Phantom FGR.2|FGR.2]]/[[Phantom FG.1|FG.1]] Phantoms are similar to the F-4J in that they trade wing slats and an internal gun for a pulse-Doppler radar, but their turbofan engines give them much better acceleration in most flight profiles. Thus the F-4J is best played to the typical Phantom strengths of high speed and high altitude, avoiding dogfights whenever possible.

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || - || 618 || 463 || ~11 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 810 || < 750 || < 700 || -
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric J79-GE-10 || 2
| colspan="2" | 14,213 kg || colspan="2" | 408 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel
|-
| 1,750 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 15,972 kg || 18,055 kg || 20,078 kg || 26,420 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 5,240 kgf || 8,090 kgf
|1.01|| 0.90 || 0.81 || 0.61
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 5,240 kgf (0 km/h) || 10,340 kgf (1,400 km/h)
|1.29|| 1.15 || 1.03 || 0.78
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}


The F-4J has no armour protection whatsoever, which is standard for the battle rating. The airframe itself can take some punishment and the two engines configuration offers some redundancy in case of heavy damage, but the Phantom's large profile makes it easy to be hit by incoming gunfire.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}


The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 60 x countermeasures

Like all naval Phantom models, the F-4J lacks an internal gun and is forced to rely on optional gunpods. It does have countermeasures, but they are mounted in compartments on top of the engine nacelles instead of the wing pylon dispensers seen on the F-4E. This system has a capacity of only 60 countermeasures instead of 90, which further emphasizes the need for the F-4J to stay out of trouble.

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}


The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10 !! width="4%" | 11
| rowspan="17" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_F-4C_Phantom_II.png]]</div>
|-
! [[Mk 11 mod 5 (20 mm)|20 mm Mk 11 mod 5]] cannons (750 rpg)
| || || || || || 1 || || || || ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|250 lb LDGP Mk 81]] bombs
| 6 || 3 || || || || 6 || || || || 3 || 6
|-
! [[Mk 81 Snakeye (250 lb)|250 lb Mk 81 Snakeye]] bombs
| 6 || 3 || || || || 6 || || || || 3 || 6
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
| 6 || 3 || || || || 6 || || || || 3 || 6
|-
! [[Mk 82 Snakeye (500 lb)|500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye]] bombs
| 6 || 3 || || || || 6 || || || || 3 || 6
|-
! [[M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|750 lb M117 cone 45]] bombs
| 3 || 3 || || || || 3 || || || || 3 || 3
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83]] bombs
| 2 || 2 || || || || 3 || || || || 2 || 2
|-
! [[Mk 79 Mod 1 incendiary]] bombs
| 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1
|-
! [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] rockets
| 38 || 57 || || || || 57 || || || || 57 || 38
|-
! [[Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP]] rockets
| 12 || 12 || || || || 12 || || || || 12 || 12
|-
! [[AIM-7E-2 Sparrow]] missiles
| || 1*† || || 1† || 1† || || 1† || 1† || || 1*† ||
|-
! [[AIM-7F Sparrow]] missiles
| || 1*† || || 1† || 1† || || 1† || 1† || || 1*† ||
|-
! [[AIM-9D Sidewinder]] missiles
| || || 1, 2* || || || || || || 1, 2* || ||
|-
! [[AIM-9G Sidewinder]] missiles
| || || 2* || || || || || || 2* || ||
|-
! 600 gal drop tanks
| || || || || || 1 || || || || ||
|-
| colspan="12" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 7,400 kg Maximum permissible wing load: 3,000 kg Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
|-
| colspan="13" | * Sparrows on hardpoints 2/10 cannot be carried in conjunction with Sidewinders on hardpoints 3/9 respectively † AIM-7E-2 and AIM-7F Sparrow missiles cannot be mixed, only one type may be equipped across hardpoints
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}

* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon (750 rpg)
* 1 x 600 gal drop tank
* 2 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles + 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon
* 4 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles
* 6 x AIM-7F Sparrow missiles
* 60 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 247 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 24 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 24 x 250 lb Mk 81 Snakeye bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 24 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (12,000 lb total)
* 24 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (12,000 lb total)
* 15 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (11,250 lb total)
* 11 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (11,000 lb total)
* 3 x Mk 79 Mod 1 incendiary bombs
{{Navigation-End}}

The F-4J's arsenal does not look as impressive as its air force counterparts. While it does have the large bomb and rocket capacity that the fighter-bomber Phantoms are known for, the F-4J cannot use any guided air-to-ground munitions, not even the basic MCLOS [[AGM-12C Bullpup]] available to the F-4C. Thus, it is not very suitable for CAS in Ground RB at a battle rating where it faces long-range radar SAMs and the closest things it has to a standoff capability are firing swarms of Zuni rockets with ballistic computer assistance.

As discussed before, the F-4J does not have an internal gun. Unfortunately, it has the worst gun options of any Phantom: while the F-4C and British Phantoms have Vulcans in their gunpods, the F-4J has a unique double-barrel 20 mm Mk 11 revolver cannon using 20 x 110 mm USN rounds instead. Although it has an impressive rate of fire at 4,000 rounds per minute for a non-rotary weapon (actually faster than the Soviet [[GSh-23L (23 mm)|GSh-23L]]), this is still inferior to the Vulcan's 6,000 rounds per minute. The gunpod also only weighs slightly less than the podded Vulcan and the performance penalties are still significant.

The AAM arsenal is better and where the F-4J's technology really shines. The stock AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles are decent options. They have a slightly lower overload and acceleration than the Air Force's [[AIM-9J Sidewinder]] and have a harder time in dogfights, but the longer burning rocket motor helps it hit targets at extended ranges. The top AIM-9G Sidewinder is largely identical but has an enormous seeker cone that allows the pilot to supply a generous amount of lead. The Sidewinders are assisted by the VTAS helmet-mounted sight, which allows the player to point the missile seeker in the direction of their mouse. The AIM-9G's wide seeker cone makes it easy to acquire targets this way without needing to manoeuvre the lumbering F-4J into a good position.

The real capstone of the F-4J's armament are its radar-guided Sparrow missiles, which greatly enjoy the look-down/shoot-down capabilities offered by its pulse-Doppler radar. The AIM-7E-2 dogfight Sparrows are nice options for medium range engagements because they have a good overload of 25 G, accelerate quickly, and start tracking almost immediately after launch. The new AIM-7F Sparrows are the F-4J's most dangerous weapon. They are heavier Sparrows with an improved rocket motor that burns for a long duration, offering twice the launch range of the AIM-7E-2. The new seeker enjoys a 40 km lock range as well. The AIM-7Fs are excellent for BVR combat and can potentially skewer enemies from across the map if they do not take serious defensive measures. Even at medium ranges, the rocket motor lets the AIM-7F continuously pull quite hard and hit manoeuvring targets. One downside of the AIM-7F is that the long burn duration makes it easy for enemies to spot it, either through the in-game missile warning icon or from seeing the exhaust trail. That said, most targets will notice the RWR warning from the lock first.

Up to four Sparrows can be carried on the fuselage pylons, but what is unique among Phantoms is that the F-4J can carry Sparrows on the inboard wing pylons too (at the cost of the Sidewinders mounted on those pylons), for a grand total of 6.

== Usage in battles ==


The F-4J has the best BVR capabilities of any Rank VII Phantom because of its AN/APG-59 pulse-Doppler radar and long-range AIM-7F Sparrow missiles. It pays for this by having the worst performance and dogfight capabilities of any Rank VII Phantom, not even having the reprieve of podded Vulcans and turbofan engines available to the British Phantoms. As such, it's best for the F-4J to identify and destroy targets before they get close enough to enter a dogfight.

One approach is to climb to high altitudes, pick up speed, and look for enemies attempting to do the same thing. The F-4J can often win BVR jousts against contemporary aircraft like the [[MiG-23MLD]] because of the range and capacity of the AIM-7F. When high-altitude enemies are dispatched or forced to lower altitudes, the F-4J can use its LD/SD capabilities to snipe targets below. VTAS can also be used to slave the radar to acquire targets more quickly than through the multi-function menu or keyboard binds. However the F-4J can be matched or outclassed in BVR by Rank VIII fighters like the [[F-4EJ Kai Phantom II|F-4EJ Kai]], [[MiG-29]] (with [[R-27ER]] specifically), [[F-16 (Family)|F-16 ADF or MLU]], and [[F-14A Early|F-14A]]. The LD/SD capability is also not perfect and some low-altitude opponents cannot be acquired due to excessive ground clutter or bad luck, so be prepared to have a backup plan.

Another approach is to play the F-4J more like the F-4E and cruise at lower altitudes, maintaining speed and slinging barrages of missiles at foes. Although the pulse-Doppler radar does not help much here, the AIM-7Fs or AIM-7E-2s are still deadly. The AIM-9Gs can be put to good use because their extended range is nice for sneak attacks.

Dogfights should be avoided, but if forced into manoeuvring combat, the HMS can be quite helpful. It can lock Sidewinders onto targets that are not near the F-4J's nose, which compensates somewhat for the aircraft's poor AoA and nose authority. This can surprise enemy fighters who are pulling or rolling hard. However, the AIM-9D/G are still only 18 G missiles and lack the manoeuvrability of something like the 30 G [[R-60]] or 35 G [[R.550|Magic 1]], so just because VTAS can lock wild off-bore shots does not mean that the Sidewinder can actually hit them once launched. VTAS will also take some practice to use effectively because it is easy to lock unintended targets like teammates or the sun when looking around with the missile seeker active.

Although the gunpod hurts performance, it is worth equipping in Air RB. The F-4J will be unable to out perform many opponents like the [[MiG-23MLD]] or [[Mirage 2000 (Family)|Mirage 2000s]] even without the gunpod, so there is little use in not carrying the gunpod for the relatively minor increase in performance. Furthermore, bringing only air-to-air missiles in Air RB is overall not effective when many situations will pop up where having a gun would be excellent.
=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Equipped with a pulse-Doppler radar, allowing targets close to the ground to be tracked and engaged
* Large selection of unguided munitions for ground attack
* Has a helmet mounted sight to launch AIM-9Gs off-boresight and slew the radar
* Good air-to-air missile combinations
** Can carry up to six powerful AIM-7F Sparrow missiles, which have a long burn time resulting in great range and sustained manoeuvrability
** AIM-9G IR missiles have good range and decent 18G overload capability

'''Cons:'''

* Large target
* No guided air-to-ground weaponry
* No internal gun, external gunpod negatively affects performance
* Has poor manoeuvrability as it lacks the F-4E's leading-edge slats
* Top speed and acceleration, while decent, isn't nearly enough to outrun the majority of opponents
* Lower countermeasure capacity than other Phantoms
* literally the F4S without the Bias

== History ==

The F-4J Phantom is an upgrade of the previous F-4B variant, designed with the intent to improve the Phantom's air-to-air combat capabilities, based on lessons learned in combat during the Vietnam War. These upgrades included a more advanced radar (the AN/APG-59 pulse-Doppler radar), an improved fire control system, upgraded engines, increased options for secondary ordnance, while the infrared sensor under the nose was omitted. Over 500 F-4Js were built from 1966, and saw action at the end of the Vietnam War during Operation Linebacker in 1972. Lt. Randy "Duke" Cunningham and Radar-Intercept Officer Lt. Junior-Grade Willy Driscoll became aces while flying an F-4J, after shooting downing three MiG-17s on May 10, 1972.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f-4j Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==

''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==

''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''

* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.''

{{AirManufacturer McDonnell}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

J35A

2024-01-31T19:52:17Z

U88940890: /* Pros and cons */

{{About
| about = premium Swedish jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = SAAB 35 Draken (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=saab_j35a
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|StoreImage_{{PAGENAME}}_001.jpg|StoreImage_{{PAGENAME}}_004.jpg|StoreImage_{{PAGENAME}}_006.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''J35A''' was the first version of the J35, with a total of 90 units built between the two versions. The J35A1 (kort) had a short afterburner and a short tail. Meanwhile, the J35A2 (long) had a new afterburner with increased thrust, which meant that the tail section needed to be extended. While unexpectedly, this reduced drag, it forced the installation of a retractable tail wheel. The first batch produced in 1960 lacked gunsights and radar, which was a big mistake by the manufacturer, however, in 1961 the remaining units were delivered with the radar and gunsight installed. The J35 was the attempt by Sweden to create a domestic fighter that could replace both the J29 Tunnan and the J32B Lansen. Thus the J35 has many records, including being the first fully supersonic aircraft deployed in Western Europe.

Introduced in [[Update "Direct Hit"]], it was removed at the end of the 2023 May Sale and is briefly made available on some occasions The '''J35A''' is a capable aircraft for its BR, but it has a few caveats that hamper its performance. For example, the J35A does not have access to any sort of countermeasures, playing safely and with good situational awareness is crucial, since many aircraft like the A-10, Su-25, F-8s and Mig-21SMT/MF to mention just a few, have access to excellent missiles that are very hard to dodge without flares. Thus the J35A needs to remain fast, so it can outrun most missiles and force enemies to do bad launches. It has access to 4 x Rb-24 missiles, which are AIM-9Bs, they are agile and have a decent range, thus they can be used from high altitudes to be dropped on unsuspected enemies.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 9,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,141 || 2,084 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 25.9 || 26.9 || 139.2 || 127.6 || rowspan="2" | 900
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,357 || 2,250 || 24.1 || 25.0 || 194.4 || 165.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || X || X || ✓ || X || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| 1,417  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || - || - || - || ~13 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 850 || < 700 || < 700 || -
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Svenska Flygmotor RM6B || 1
| colspan="2" | 7,605 kg || colspan="2" | 189 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 6m fuel || 20m fuel || 21m fuel
|-
| 1,400 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 8,124 kg || 9,232 kg || 9,335 kg || 13,500 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 6m fuel || 20m fuel || 21m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,696 kgf || 6,763 kgf
| 0.83 || 0.73 || 0.72 || 0.50
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,790 kgf (1,417 km/h) || 9,080 kgf (1,417 km/h)
| 1.12 || 0.98 || 0.97 || 0.67
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}

''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|Akan m/55 (30 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 2 x 30 mm Akan m/55 cannons, wing-mounted (100 rpg = 200 total)

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

{{main|RB24|m/56D}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* Without load
* 12 x m/56D rockets
* 4 x RB24 missiles
* 2 x RB24 missiles + 12 x m/56D rockets

== Usage in battles ==

Downtier: In a downtier, the {{PAGENAME}} is one of the best planes in the match. With superior speed, acceleration and manoeuvrability, the {{PAGENAME}} is almost unstoppable. Start off by climbing to around 20,000 ft (~6,000 m) and then levelling off to enter supersonic speeds, here you will have every advantage over your enemies, fire a missile or get close with your high top speed and take them down with your guns.

Uptier: In an uptier, there will be more vehicles that can match your performance with speeds (T-2, MiG-19, F-104, F-105, Lightning) so it will be much harder to get close and fire an unexpected missile. These higher performing planes also make it much harder to get away with a 1-vs-1 turn fight, as seeing a slow Draken will attract almost anyone's attention and you'll find yourself with a missile coming your way. It is recommended to avoid aproaching enemy vehicles head-on and instead to attack slow targets like attackers from behind when they dont expect it. Alternatively, its m/56D rockets can be used as flares against missiles from the front and side. Always try to keep up higher speeds, using the {{PAGENAME}}'s good acceleration to regain the lost speed after a turn.

1-vs-1 situation: In a 1-vs-1 turn fight, the {{PAGENAME}} is one of the best in the game. Its superior turning ability makes it very easy to out-turn the enemy and send a couple 30 mm round their way. Enemies to beware of in a 1-vs-1 are F-5C (very good at turning also and keeps the energy a little bit better than the J35A, in a prolonged dogfight the F-5C can come on top if you get too slow) and MiG-19s/PT (The best rate fighter in the game, if you can drag him into a 1 or 2 circle fight he will be very easy to target, but if the energy/rate fight begins, you may find yourself in a sticky situation)

One weak area of the J35A are its two 30 mm Akan m/55 cannons. While they do very high damage upon hitting, shell velocity is low, ammo capacity is low (only 100 rounds per gun), and it completely lacks tracer bullets. The lack of tracers combined with the low velocity makes accurate aiming for the average player difficult. Due to these factors, it is recommended that you exercise strong trigger discipline to conserve ammo and only fire on slow enemies at closer ranges (<750 m).

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Superior manoeuvrability at all speeds
* Good energy retention at higher speeds (above 850 km/h)
* High top speed
* Good climb performance
* Good acceleration
* Low stall speed
* Hard-hitting 30 mm cannons

'''Cons:'''

* Bleeds energy quickly at lower speeds (below 750 km/h)
* Relatively low maximum fuel load and a fuel thirsty afterburner
* Wings may rip with roll and elevator input at transonic speeds
* Cannons are placed fairly far from the center (convergence issue)
* Cannons have low velocity and ammo
* All cannon belts lack tracers
* Only has unguided rockets for CAS
* Lacks countermeasures: no flares or RWR
* RB24 missiles are weak and easily avoided by enemies
* Unstable wing design; if not careful can easily enter an unrecoverable stall or flat spin when manoeuvring at low speeds
* prime target for A10s due to lack of flares

== History ==

The J-35 was a revolutionary design for its time and was developed and manufactured between 1955 and 1974. However, the development started in 1948 as a replacement for the J29 and J32B night fighter. Unlike any other design of its era, it featured a double delta wing, it was also the first fully supersonic aircraft to be deployed in Western Europe, being one of the first to reach Mach 2 in level flight, its unconventional wing design made it capable of performing insane manoeuvres and acrobatics, like the infamous Cobra Maneuver.

Intended as an interceptor, it took the role of the J29 Tunnan as the backbone of the Swedish Air Force and the role of the J32B Lansen as a night fighter, combining the capabilities of both fighters, thus creating a dangerous dogfighter, with supersonic performance and all-weather capabilities. Upgraded in several programs, with the last model being the J35J, the Draken was eventually replaced by the JA 37 Viggen. The Draken was very expensive to operate however, and it was retired in December 1999, before expected, but it was also exported to Austria, Denmark and Finland, being the first its last user.[[File:J35A1.jpg|thumb|373x373px|J35A1 (kort) 1960]]The '''J35A (Adam)''' was the first production version of the Draken. With 90 aircraft delivered between 1960 and 1961. The initial batch was equipped without radar and gunsight, which was corrected in 1961, with the next units being delivered with gunsight and radar. 25 of these last J35As were converted to the Saab 35C, a two-seat trainer to introduce new pilots to the aircraft. Two types of afterburners and airframes resulted in two versions. The '''J35A (kort)''' had a short afterburner and a short tail (65 units built). The '''J35A Long''' on the other hand housed a new afterburner with additional thrust as well as a longer tail section, which reduced drag but forced the installation of a retractable tail wheel (25 units built), this last design would be the one used for future J35 fighters.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=saab_j35a Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200">
File:J35A-Under.jpg
</gallery>

== See also ==

''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7304-development-perfect-interceptor-ja37c-jaktviggen-and-premium-j35a-draken-en|[Development] Perfect interceptor JA37C Jaktviggen and Premium J35A Draken]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/534246-j-35a/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
* [[wikipedia:Saab_35_Draken|[Wikipedia] - Saab J35 Draken]]

{{AirManufacturer Saab}}
{{Sweden jet aircraft}}
{{Sweden premium aircraft}}

Su-25BM

2024-01-31T19:40:35Z

U88940890: /* Pros and cons */

{{About
| about = gift Soviet strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Su-25 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=su_25_558arz
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|market=id50232_su_25bm_ussr
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}'''* (unified NATO codename: Frogfoot) is the Belarusian modification of the [[Su-25]] performed by the JSC "558 Aircraft Repair Plant" (Авиационный ремонтный завод; ARZ) in Baranovichi, Belarus for the Kazakh Air Defense Forces, mainly focusing on the modernization of the cockpit with modern avionics and new ECM equipment for the modern battlefield. According to the news in 2016, Kazakhstan sought Belarus for upgrades to their remaining fleet of Su-25. The aircraft were sent to the 558 ARZ for upgrades, trialled in mid-2017, and returned for service in Kazakhstan in 2018.

Introduced during [[Update "La Royale"]] as a reward for the [[wt:en/news/8384-event-summer-extreme-en|2023 Summer Extreme]] event, the Su-25BM featured new avionics in the cockpit with a new HUD and MFDs replacing most analogue gauges, as well as new PS-25 weapons control system for new weaponry like the infamous R-73 (AA-11 Archer) AAM and all previous air-to-ground ordnance ranging from GP bombs up to TV-guided bombs and laser-guided AGMs, enhancing the overall combat capabilities of the otherwise obsolete Frogfoots.

*Note: the code BM was first used by target-drone tow plane (Buksirovshchik Misheney); but it is likely the abbreviation of Belarus Modernizirovannyi (Belarusian Modernization) in this case.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}

For long-time players of the Su-25(K), the overall flight performance is very similar; for new players, do not underestimate the airframe of such an attacker. The R-95SH engine can quickly push the jet up to 960 km/h before structural failure in level flights even at high payload. Once players have used up all their A2G ordnances or brought only AAMs, the straight wing also allows the Su-25BM to turn with some heavy jets at its rank. However, due to the nature of being a subsonic attacker at top tier, enemy jets tend not to have dogfights especially with a Frogfoot even though it is a heavy target. Be sure not to be the first to enter the battlefield as there is a high likelihood for multiple enemies seeking out the relatively easy prey that is the Su-25BM.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 1,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 969 || 962 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 27.4 || 28.1 || 67.2 || 63.0 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 989 || 979 || 26.6 || 27.0 || 94.6 || 80.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| ✓ || X || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| 1,100  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 900 || - || 420 || ~7 || ~3
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 500 || < 600 || < 700 || -
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" |UMPO R-95SH
| 2
| colspan="2" | _,___ kg || colspan="2" | 584 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel
|-
| 990 kg || colspan="2" | Jet
| _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (___%/WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || ___%/WEP
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || ___ kgf || ___ kgf
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
| ''Optimal'' || ___ kgf (_ km/h) || ___ kgf (_ km/h)
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}

The Su-25BM's airframe is strong, able to take hits on critical parts of the aircraft and still make it back to base. The Su-25BM has plenty of armour around the cockpit and inside the fuselage, with bulletproof glass being the main protection of the pilot.

256 countermeasures allow the aircraft to avoid IR and radar-guided missiles with ease. This, and the fact that the engines lack any type of afterburner/WEP, makes it hard for enemy missiles to follow the Su-25BM reliably. Only the more advanced missiles are able to get a good lock on the Su-25BM, and even then, manoeuvring after dropping 2 or 4 flares will be more than enough to avoid most of them.

Fuel tanks are self-sealing, which means that in case of any fuel tank fire, the fuel tank will be able to stop the fire most of the time. In case a fire happens inside the engine and not on a fuel tank, the Su-25BM also has EFS as a modification. This modification is capable of extinguishing any fire that's inside an engine, leaving the affected engine inoperable, but saving the airframe from further fire damage.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs) !! Lead indicator
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|GSh-30-2 (30 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 30 mm GSh-30-2 cannon, chin-mounted (250 rpg)
* 256 x countermeasures

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}


The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10
| rowspan="25" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_Su-25.png]]</div>
|-
! [[GSh-23L (23 mm)|23 mm GSh-23L]] cannons (250 rpg)
| || || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
! [[OFAB-100 (100 kg)|100 kg OFAB-100]] bombs
| || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 ||
|-
! [[OFAB-250sv (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250sv]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[OFAB-250Sh (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250Sh]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[FAB-500M-62 (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500M-62]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[FAB-500Sh (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500Sh]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[KAB-500Kr (500 kg)|500 kg KAB-500Kr]] bombs
| || || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
! [[ZB-500 incendiary]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[S-5K]] rockets
| || 32 || 32 || 32 || 32 || 32 || 32 || 32 || 32 ||
|-
! [[S-8KO]] rockets
| || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 ||
|-
! [[S-13OF]] rockets
| || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 ||
|-
! [[S-24B]] rockets
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[S-25O]] rockets
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[S-25OF]] rockets
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[S-25OFM]] rockets
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[Kh-25]] missiles
| || || 1 || 1 || || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[Kh-25ML]] missiles
| || || 1 || 1 || || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[Kh-29L]] missiles
| || || || || 1 || 1 || || || ||
|-
! [[Kh-29TE]] missiles
| || || || || 1 || 1 || || || ||
|-
! [[R-60MK]] missiles
| 1 || || || || || || || || || 1
|-
! [[R-73]] missiles
| || 1 || || || || || || || 1 ||
|-
! [[S-25L]] missiles
| || || 1 || 1 || || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! 800 l drop tanks
| || || || ||1||1|| || || ||
|-
| colspan="11" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 4,400 kg Maximum permissible wing load: 2,200 kg Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}

* 2 x 800 l drop tanks
* 2 x R-60MK missiles
* 2 x R-73 missiles
* 32 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (3,200 kg total)
* 8 x 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 8 x 250 kg OFAB-250Sh bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 8 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 8 x 500 kg FAB-500Sh bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 4 x 500 kg KAB-500Kr bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 8 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs
* 256 x S-5K rockets
* 160 x S-8KO rockets
* 40 x S-13OF rockets
* 8 x S-24B rockets
* 8 x S-25O rockets
* 4 x S-25L missiles
* 4 x Kh-25ML missiles
* 2 x Kh-29L missiles
* 2 x Kh-29TE missiles
* 4 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg = 1,000 total)
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

Being essentially a modernized Su-25K, players will get used to this aircraft's performance very easily if they own other Frogfoots. With upgraded weaponry in both aerial combat and ground attack, the Su-25BM can be quite a versatile jet.

==== Air - Heavy but Packs a Punch ====
One thing players will soon notice is the identical airframe to preceding Su-25 variants. Not only does it retain the same engine from these jets, but the airframe is equally as heavy. 256 countermeasures is more than enough to evade missiles, but at such a slow speed, extra launches of countermeasures may be necessary. Using an attack aircraft as a fighter is never a good idea, and this especially applies to the Su-25BM. If any enemies come close, the all-aspect R-73 is enough to destroy or at least deter them. When enemies aren't present, attacking ground targets and bases is a viable option, as the guns are powerful enough to destroy MBTs with precise hits using the ballistic computer.

==== Ground - The Overwatcher ====
In addition to the original ground attack armament retained from preceding Su-25 variants, the BM is also provided with safer standoff weapons such as the KAB-500Kr or Kh-29T. Prioritizing the elimination of enemy SPAAs at a distance, players can then use unguided bombs and rockets to finish off remaining ground targets. R-73s are usually sufficient to eliminate any enemy air opposition.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Mounts R-73 missiles, which are extremely effective
* Capable of equipping a large amount of air-to-ground armament
* Powerful chin-mounted GSh-30-2 autocannon
* Access to more advanced, fire and forget standoff A2G armaments
* Could take additional hits thanks to the well-protected airframe
* Integrated avionics for better awareness in SB battles
* amazing air to ground role especially ground pounding

'''Cons:'''

* Has a relatively low top speed, capable of ripping its own wings in level flight
* Low ammo count for the 30 mm cannon
* Low manoeuvrability due to the weight and obsolete engine
* Inferior SPO-15 RWR with worse situational awareness to radar sources
* R60MK is rather ineffective due to no flare resistance
* aside form the R73 and gun pods the aircraft is absolutely useless at AIR-AIR

== History ==

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, there was an abundance of ex-Soviet strategic weapons (ICBMs, MIRVs, nuclear weapons, and strategic bombers) scattered throughout the ex-socialist republics. One of them was Kazakhstan, which had already quit the Union by October 1990. They returned the 40 Tu-95MS (13 MS-16 and 27 MS-6 respectively; where 7 of them were dismantled in Kazakhstan due to poor condition) of the 79th Heavy Bomber Aviation Division which was stationed at Dolon Airbase to Russia in 1992, as well as 370 tactical missiles with nuclear warheads; this in turn became a deal between Kazakhstan and Russia that some of the units from the Turkmenistan Military District would be returned to Kazakhstan in 1995, as well as new units including 12 Su-25 and 2 Su-25UB. These 14 aircraft were assigned to the (602nd) Chimkent Air Base as part of the composition of the newly-born Kazakh ADF.

Due to the aging and already obsolete airframe for future battlefield, there was news that Kazakhstan Aviation Industry and Belarusian JSC "558 Aircraft Repair Plant" planned for upgrades for the 12 Kazakh Su-25 in June 2016 where these jets would sent to Baranovichi, Belarus for the upgrades.<ref>https://airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/global-news-2016/june/2733-kazakhstan-plans-to-upgrade-its-fleet-of-su-25-combat-aircraft.html</ref> The upgrades included (based on the details of Bulgarian upgrades):<ref>https://www.key.aero/article/depth-look-bulgarias-modernised-frogfoot-fleet</ref>

* SOI-25 integrated flight display systems with ILS-31ZhK HUD and two MFI-10 MFDs
* New SNS navigation systems compatible with GPS/GLONASS
* New digital computer
* PS-25 weapon system for more advanced missiles and better engage altitude
* Satellite-M2 jammer system
* SVR-2T and Tester-U3-2 FDR

These new jets was first tested in mid-2017 in Belarus and first batches of the upgraded jets were return to the Kazakh ADF by early 2018<ref>https://defence-blog.com/kazakhstan-receives-refurbed-su-25-ground-attack-aircraft/</ref>; all of them are likely to be operational at present; these jets also became the foundation of Su-25K upgrades of Eastern Bloc countries.

The default livery in-game represents 02 of the 602nd Airbase stationed at Chimkent, while the purchasable/unlockable livery represents No.32 of 116th Guards Assault Air Base and the event-limited livery represents White 246 of 22th ShtAB, Bulgarian Air Force.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=su_25_558arz Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|DSEfQPcz7pw|'''The Shooting Range #370''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:28 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|jBm6zmFL7Os|'''SU-25 BM Vehicle Overview''' - ''Bob Dickinson''}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[Su-25 (Family)]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/8387-development-su-25bm-558-arz-strike-jet-aircraft-en|[Devblog] Su-25BM 558 ARZ strike jet aircraft]]

{{AirManufacturer Sukhoi}}
{{USSR jet aircraft}}
<references />

F-4S Phantom II

2024-01-31T19:38:14Z

U88940890: /* Pros and cons */

{{About
|about = premium American jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
|usage = other versions
|link = F-4 Phantom II (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f-4s
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|StoreImage_{{PAGENAME}}_004.jpg}}
|store=12048
}}

== Description ==

The F-4 Phantom II served its most notable service period in the Vietnam War for both the US Air Force (USAF) and US Navy (USN). The USN had the [[F-4J Phantom II|F-4J]] as their latest aircraft, and it began to show its age in the post Vietnam War period. A modernization program began to keep the F-4J up to date with latest upgrades. Improvements were done in avionics, weapon systems, airframe, and undercarriage, but the two most notable improvements were wing leading-edge slats, for improved manoeuvrability, and new smokeless engines. The F-4S flew for USN up until the Phantom's retirement in the late 1980s, replaced by more modern aircraft like the [[F-14A Early|F-14 Tomcat]] and the F-18 Hornet.

The '''{{Specs|name}}''', introduced in [[Update "Sky Guardians"]], is one of the top versions of the F-4 Phantom II in the game. While the overall play style is not very different from the F-4J, the performance improvements in manoeuvrability should allow the F-4S to occasionally get the upper hand over even more modern fighter designs that it can encounter. Outside the dogfighting range, the usual complement of BVR weaponry like the Sparrows alongside the PD radar should allow the F-4S to shoot down careless enemy fighters who can't evade in time.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 12,192 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,080 || 2,058 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.5 || 27.4 || 155.0 || 145.2 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,224 || 2,140 || 25.5 || 26.0 || 217.6 || 185.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 1,458 || 618 || 463 || ~11 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 810 || < 750 || < 700 || -
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric J79-GE-10B || 2
| colspan="2" | 14,205 kg || colspan="2" | 408 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel
|-
| 1,750 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 15,964 kg || 18,047 kg || 20,070 kg || 27,058 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 5,250 kgf || 8,159 kgf
| 1.02 || 0.90 || 0.81 || 0.60
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 5,311 kgf (1,458 km/h) || 10,361 kgf (1,400 km/h)
| 1.30 || 1.15 || 1.03 || 0.77
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}

While the F-4S completely lacks any armour plating or ballistic glass, meaning that the pilot and internal systems are exposed to damage from even small arms fire, the airframe itself is relatively sturdy thanks to the upgrades it got to better handle high-G sustained turns, and can take a few hits from opposing aircraft using 20 x 102 mm Vulcan or 20 x 110 mm USN rounds and remain airborne. Higher calibre guns however such as the BK-27 found on the Tornados, and the GSh-30-1 on the MiG-29 have a higher chance of severely crippling your performance or outright destroying the aircraft. As with the F-4J, the RIO (Radar Intercept Officer) in the back of the cockpit cannot take control of the aircraft if the pilot is knocked out, as it lacks the dual controls found on the USAF variants of the Phantom (C & E.)

The fuel tanks are self-sealing, but generally won't be able to stop a fire from igniting due to every aircraft at the F-4S' BR using guns that are at least 20 mm in calibre. They also take up a lot of space in the midsection and rear of the Phantom, making shots to the fuselage potentially fatal. There are additional fuel tanks located in the upper-front of the wings and in the bottom of the fuselage, but they are a much smaller and thinner target, so the chances that they get hit are much lower in comparison. You have an extinguisher to put out engine fires, but effectiveness may vary depending on the severity of damage to the rest of the airframe, along with your airspeed.

With only 60 countermeasures available to use, the F-4S is rather limited in its defense against missiles compared to its peers and opponents, and bringing chaff with the mixed loadout halves your effective amount to just 30.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs) !! Lead indicator
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}


The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* A choice between two presets:
** Without offensive armament
** 60 x countermeasures

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}


The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10 !! width="4%" | 11
| rowspan="15" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_F-4C_Phantom_II.png]]</div>
|-
! [[Mk 11 mod 5 (20 mm)|20 mm Mk 11 mod 5]] cannons (750 rpg)
| || || || || || 1 || || || || ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|250 lb LDGP Mk 81]] bombs
| 6 || 3 || || || || 6 || || || || 3 || 6
|-
! [[Mk 81 Snakeye (250 lb)|250 lb Mk 81 Snakeye]] bombs
| 6 || 3 || || || || 6 || || || || 3 || 6
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
| 6 || 3 || || || || 6 || || || || 3 || 6
|-
! [[Mk 82 Snakeye (500 lb)|500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye]] bombs
| 6 || 3 || || || || 6 || || || || 3 || 6
|-
! [[M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|750 lb M117 cone 45]] bombs
| 3 || 3 || || || || 3 || || || || 3 || 3
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83]] bombs
| 2 || 2 || || || || 3 || || || || 2 || 2
|-
! [[Mk 79 Mod 1 incendiary]] bombs
| 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1
|-
! [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] rockets
| 38 || 57 || || || || 57 || || || || 57 || 38
|-
! [[Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP]] rockets
| 12 || 12 || || || || 12 || || || || 12 || 12
|-
! [[AIM-7F Sparrow]] missiles
| || 1 || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || || 1 ||
|-
! [[AIM-9H Sidewinder]] missiles
| || || 2 || || || || || || 2 || ||
|-
! 600 gal drop tanks
| || || || || || 1 || || || || ||
|-
| colspan="12" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 7,257 kg Maximum permissible wing load: 3,000 kg Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
|-
| colspan="13" | * Sparrows on hardpoints 2/10 cannot be carried in conjunction with Sidewinders on hardpoints 3/9 respectively
<nowiki>*</nowiki>20 mm Mk 11 Mod 5 gun pod and 600 gal drop tank cannot be carried at the same time due to sharing hardpoint 1
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}

* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon (750 rpg)
* 1 x 600 gal drop tank
* 4 x AIM-9H Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x AIM-7F Sparrow missiles
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-7F Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9H Sidewinder missiles + 48 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-7F Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9H Sidewinder missiles + 190 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-7F Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9H Sidewinder missiles + 18 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (4,500 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-7F Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9H Sidewinder missiles + 18 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-7F Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9H Sidewinder missiles + 18 x 250 lb Mk 81 Snakeye bombs (4,500 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-7F Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9H Sidewinder missiles + 18 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-7F Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9H Sidewinder missiles + 12 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-7F Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9H Sidewinder missiles + 8 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 3 x Mk 79 Mod 1 incendiary bombs
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==


Being a slightly upgraded F-4J, the F-4S retains many of its predecessor's defining characteristics.

The main difference between the two is the F-4S' leading edge wing slats. These greatly increase manoeuvrability below ~970-1000 km/h SPD by allowing you to pull more AoA (Angle of Attack) which helps to tighten down your turning circle, but results in noticeably more energy bleed. Inversely, the slats will reduce the amount of AoA you can pull above the priorly-mentioned airspeed, which massively improves energy retention and delays pilot blackouts at the cost of an overall wider turn circle. This ability to control your AoA at various speeds can be an invaluable tool in winning engagements if properly mastered, but remember that you're still a Phantom; the F-4S can't turn tight enough to competitively dogfight most other top-tier aircraft even with the manoeuvrability upgrade, but it's good enough that you may be able to last in an extended engagement against a single opponent until an ally comes to your aid. 

The most powerful aspect of the F-4S is its weaponry. For IR-guided missiles, it carries AIM-9Hs. Even though they have mediocre turn performance (max overload 18G), their respectable range and long guidance time makes them ideal for picking off inattentive players or AI planes. The crown jewel of the F-4S' arsenal however is the AIM-7F. With effective usage of the Pulse Doppler and ACM modes, the F-4S can confidently go into battle with an all-Sparrow loadout and not feel limited at closer engagement ranges. The AIM-7F is able to reliably hit targets from a minimum of 3 km in head ons, all the way out to a maximum of 25-30 km in good conditions with Pulse Doppler active (any further than that will require some luck.) Head on snapshots from less than 3 km can be done, but you'll be pushing the limits of both your radar's lock speed and the Sparrow's 25G pull limit.

Your biggest threats will be the F-14A / B, the MiG-29 9.13, and the Yak-141. All three gravely outclass you in BVR combat; the F-14s due to their massive, highly advanced radar and long-range Phoenix missiles, while the MiG-29 and Yak-141 carry the R-27ER, arguably the best SARH missile currently in War Thunder. The F-14s and MiG-29 9.13 also have you massively beat in a dogfight; both are able to comfortably sit inside your turning circle and either shoot at you with their guns or fire off a missile, so catching these opponents off guard or while they're distracted will aid in you and your team's survival. The Yak-141 however, while boasting phenomenal acceleration, has much more exploitable performance flaws; it can barely break the sound barrier due to high airframe drag, and bleeds energy severely in turns. You will have no issue beating the 141 in a 1v1 dogfight thanks to your upgraded manoeuvrability, just as long as you remember that the 141 is a VTOL aircraft, and may get creative with their manoeuvres out of desperation.

The MiG-29SMT, while featuring more advanced avionics and the deadly R-73 infared missile at close range, along with the R-27ER for mid and long range, has far worse manoeuvreability than the 9.13 and is moderately heavier, making it much less dominant in a dogfight and unable to extend out of an engagement as easily. Avoiding detection from this aircraft as you approach the frontline is evermore paramount as you're now at an extremely large BVR disadvantage, but you'll find that it's relatively much easier to lead your shots on the SMT than many of the other 4th gen fighters if you manage to close the distance.

Base bombing is, as expected for the Phantoms, and no exception to the F-4S, a completely viable strategy thanks to its impressive bomb load. It also has some merit in attacking ground targets, as it can carry a ludicrous amount of Mighty Mouse rockets (Up to a maximum of 247 if you wish to forgo the gun pod) that are very easy to aim thanks to having a rocket CCIP, and you can still carry 4 Sparrows to have a strong weapon against enemy aircraft. Avoid SPAA vehicles like the plague, as getting too close may spell an untimely return to the hangar, and the lack of guided munitions means you have to get close to or within their firing range to deal with them, either with bombs or rockets.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Powerful pulse-Doppler radar
* HMD allows significant off-boresight tracking for both the AIM-7F and AIM-9H
* Can carry up to 8 air-to-air missiles
* One of the best SARH missiles at 11.3
* Can take off and land on aircraft carrier
* A wide range of suspended armaments, suitable for any playstyle
* Can carry enough bombs to destroy a base without significantly affecting its flight performance
* Slats provide valuable ability to control AoA and energy retention, increasing adaptability in aerial combat.

'''Cons:'''

* Doesn't have an internal gun
* The external gun pod negatively affects flight performance
* Can't carry a gun pod and drop tank at the same time as they share the same hardpoint
* Quite large and heavy compared to other fighters at its rank
* Fires will very rapidly destroy the airframe, and effectiveness of the extinguishers is questionable
* Lack of guided munitions limits its potential in Ground Battles
* 60 countermeasures is mediocre in uptiers, which this aircraft sees extremely often
* people absolute hate you (since its release many have led to the lack of wins within USA 11.3 Air realistic) and therefore you may experience team killing. (side note) the flock of new players using this to grind is the reason why USA 11.3 has had less wins, so play it smart.

== History ==


The F-4S is a variant of the F-4 Phantom II, a twin-engine, all-weather jet fighter-bomber originally developed by McDonnell Douglas (now part of Boeing) for the United States Navy in the 1950s. The F-4S was the final production version of the F-4, and saw extensive service during the Cold War and in various conflicts around the world. The F-4S was an upgraded F-4J, with slats and a better turn speed.

The F-4S was developed in response to the need for an advanced fighter-bomber that could operate in all weather conditions and perform a wide range of missions, including air-to-air combat, ground attack, and reconnaissance. It featured improved avionics, a more powerful engine, and upgraded weapons systems compared to earlier variants of the F-4.

One of the F-4S's most significant upgrades was its advanced radar system, which could track multiple targets at once and provide the pilot with a clear picture of the battlefield. It was also equipped with a more sophisticated weapons delivery system, which allowed it to carry a wider variety of bombs and missiles, including the AIM-7 Sparrow and AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, as well as multiple types of unguided bombs and rockets.

The F-4S saw extensive service with the US Navy and Marine Corps. It was used in a variety of conflicts, including the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and the Gulf of Sidra incident.

Despite its success in combat, the F-4S was eventually phased out of service in the late 1980s and early 1990s, as newer and more advanced fighter aircraft were introduced into the US military fleet. Today, several examples of the F-4S can be found on display in aviation museums and military bases around the world, serving as a reminder of the aircraft's important role in military history.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f-4s Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|m-dyqOq5Xlo|'''F-4S Beginner's Tutorial in 10 Minutes''' - ''Jaek_''|IdPkE_xhUw0|'''Finally A Worthy Premium? - F-4S Phantom II''' - ''DEFYN''}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[F-4 Phantom II (Family)]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/8133-development-pre-order-f-4s-phantom-ii-pack-en|[Devblog] Pre-order: F-4S Phantom II pack]]

{{AirManufacturer McDonnell}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}
{{USA premium aircraft}}

A-10A Late

2024-01-31T19:33:40Z

U88940890: /* Pros and cons */

{{About
| about = American strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the premium version
| link = A-10A
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=a_10a_late
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|cockpit=cockpit_a_10a_late.jpg
}}

== Description ==

The A-10 Thunderbolt II was developed to fill in the gap created by the more expensive Phantom for strike missions. A ground attack focused plane was needed and that's where the A-10 came into play. In late 1966, the USAF expressed interest in a plane that could carry out close air support missions. Fairchild Republic won the contract over Northrop and birthed the A-10 Thunderbolt II, a homage to the very successful P-47 Thunderbolt in World War 2. The A-10 featured a titanium bathtub to protect the pilot, a redundant control system, turbofan engines that were robust, and much more. The A-10A Late fielded a few new weapons like the AGM-65D Maverick.

Introduced in [[Update "Wind of Change"]], the '''{{Specs|name}}''' features the ability to carry four AIM-9Ls as well as AGM-65Ds. Unlike the AGM-65B, the D variant uses infrared imaging which gives the pilot a very clear image regardless of the surrounding conditions. Unfortunately, this lacks screen magnification like the AGM-65B but is better for night operations. Players should be more than satisfied with the addition of AGM-65Ds, the ability to use four AIM-9Ls, and retaining almost all of the benefits of the A-10A Early.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}

The single biggest downside with the A-10 is its top speed. At 642 km/h at sea level, the A-10A is the slowest aircraft at its BR. Not enough emphasis can be put on how much of a disadvantage the A-10's speed is, especially at a battle rating of 10.0, where apart from another A-10, every single aircraft it faces will have at least a 400 km/h faster top speed.

Despite how crippling the A-10's speed is, there are a handful of advantages to being so slow. First, while it is slow, it still is manoeuvrable at those low speeds, even with a heavy weapon loadout. It also means that its turn time is tight and quick compared to supersonic aircraft.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 0 m - sea level)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 624 || 609 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 30.2 || 30.8 || 21.0 || 19.9 || rowspan="2" | 700
|-
! Upgraded
| 662 || 642 || 28.5 || 29.0 || 30.3 || 25.3
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| 874  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 740 || 370 || ~__ || ~__
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 550 || < 650 || < 500 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="6" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric TF34-GE-100A || 2
| colspan="3" | 11,636 kg || colspan="3" | ___ kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="5" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 14m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 48m fuel
|-
| 654 kg || colspan="2" | High-bypass turbofan
| 13,092 kg || 13,651 kg || 14,659 kg || 16,170 kg || 16,489 kg || _,___ kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="6" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 14m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 48m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,036 kgf || N/A
| 0.62 || 0.59 || 0.55 || 0.50 || 0.49 || _.__
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,036 kgf (0 km/h) || N/A
| 0.62 || 0.59 || 0.55 || 0.50 || 0.49 || _.__
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}

The A-10A has substantial armour around the cockpit, fuel tanks, and transmission. This armour effectively protects the pilot from machine gun fire and autocannons up to 25mm. However, while the pilot has ample armour protection, the other parts of the plane, such as the wing, tail and especially the unarmoured and exposed engines, will easily be destroyed by any short cannon burst, so do not expect to tank such attacks.

* 38 mm titanium alloy - "bathtub" around the bottom of the cockpit
* 44 mm bulletproof glass (54°) - windshield in front of the pilot

The A-10A is equipped with a whopping 480 countermeasures. This gives an extended and effective protection against even the most potent heat-seeking missiles it will face. A good strategy is to turn on periodic countermeasures upon entering a battle. The constant flares will make you practically immune to IR guided missiles, and since the A-10A has so many countermeasures, you won't have to worry about running out as you will probably still be left with a large amount provided you survive.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}

=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|GAU-8/A (30 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 30 mm GAU-8/A cannon, chin-mounted (1,174 rpg)
* 480 x countermeasures

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}


The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10
| rowspan="9" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
| 1 || 1 || 1, 3 || 1, 3 || 1 || 1 || 1, 3 || 1, 3 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[Mk 82 Snakeye (500 lb)|500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye]] bombs
| 1 || 1 || 1, 3 || 1, 3 || 1 || 1 || 1, 3 || 1, 3 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84]] bombs
| || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 84 Air (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 Air]] bombs
| || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[Hydra-70 M247]] rockets
| || 7 || 7, 21 || 7, 21 || || || 7, 21 || 7, 21 || 7 ||
|-
! [[AGM-65D]] missiles
| || || 3 || || || || || 3 || ||
|-
! [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1, 2 || || || || || || || || || 1, 2
|-
| colspan="11" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,000 kg
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}

* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 42 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets
* 84 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets
* 84 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets + 4 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 10 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (5,000 lb total)
* 12 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 18 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 12 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 4 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles (6,000 lb total)
* 6 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (12,000 lb total)
* 6 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 Air bombs (12,000 lb total)
* 6 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs + 4 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles (12,000 lb total)
* 6 x AGM-65D missiles
* 6 x AGM-65D missiles + 4 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

The A-10A Late is specifically designed to attack ground targets. The AGM-65Ds and Mk 84s provide substantial firepower against armoured ground units. When within range, the 30 mm GAU-8 cannon can be used: the gun may lack penetration power against armour, but is excellent at destroying exterior modules and inflicting damage by overpressure.

The A-10's low speed makes it difficult to reach enemy ground units and bases without being intercepted, and also makes the A-10 especially vulnerable to both attacking aircraft and SAMs. Another problem with being so slow is that it is very easy to get energy trapped. This means that any common enemy aircraft can simply fly above the A-10, and with its slow speed, it simply has no chance to follow and get in range to use its gun. After the A-10 inevitably pitches back down (or stalls), the enemy aircraft will dive down on the slow and vulnerable A-10. While the A-10 can utilize its all-aspect AIM-9Ls to potentially dispatch aircraft lacking flares before they can initiate an energy trap, skilled players can easily dodge the AIM-9L without flares, while flare-equipped aircraft (which can easily flare an AIM-9L) should never be engaged unless absolutely necessary as it will likely result in the A-10's destruction. The slow speed also disadvantages the A-10 in high-speed head-ons. While it does arguably have the most powerful gun in the game, the A-10 will have trouble dodging the rounds of an enemy aircraft because its low speed prevents it from quickly getting out of the way. Meanwhile, the enemy aircraft, which is likely going much faster than the A-10, won't have too much of a problem dodging the A-10's rounds provided they begin evading at an ample range.

However, its slow speed and great manoeuvrability allows the A-10 much more time to aim its weapons at ground targets than if it were, say, a supersonic aircraft which is unmanoeuvrable at low speeds. Due to this, the A-10 can farm ground targets much quicker than most other planes; with its 1,174 rounds of 30 mm, a single A-10 left unchecked to freely attack ground targets can reduce an enemy team's ticket count by half or more. As stated before, the A-10 has very little chance in a vertical dogfight. However, the A-10's slow speed and good low speed manoeuvrability gives it the advantage in a horizontal scissors dogfight, as the likely faster enemy aircraft will quickly pass in front of the A-10's devastating gun. In a prolonged horizontal low speed scissors dogfight, the enemy aircraft would have likely bled much of their speed, again giving the A-10 an advantage with its good low speed manoeuvrability. If the enemy attempts to run away, the A-10 can exploit their low speed to launch an AIM-9L. When flying the A-10, if you notice an attacking aircraft may be unaware of the A-10's speed weakness (or unaware of how to exploit it), attempt to force it into a horizontal turn fight or scissors where you will have the advantage.

===== AIM-9L =====
The A-10A Late can equip up to four AIM-9L air-to-air missiles for self-defense. These missiles have long range, high manoeuvrability (30G maximum overload), all-aspect ability (can be launched from all sides including the front), and some degree of flare resistance. The high manoeuvrability sees that most aircraft lacking flares will have extreme difficulty dodging it. Even if an aircraft has flares, a close range launch at rear-aspect may prove somewhat challenging to flare due to its flare resistance. It has a rather long range and can be used to hit unsuspecting enemies at range. It is a very powerful missile found on even top tier aircraft, and at 10.3, it has the potential to wreck havoc. Keep in mind that, on launches other than rear-aspect, they are quite easy to flare. Remember that you are still a very slow and vulnerable A-10, and these four missiles are the only thing allowing you to compete in air combat; use them wisely.

With the AIM-9L, it is important to keep in mind its effective launch/lock ranges. From rear aspect, the missile can hit enemies traveling faster than the A-10 from 2.25 km, or similar speed enemies from 3 km. From side aspect, the missile can hit enemies at 3 km. From the front, the missile can get a lock on hotter aircraft at around 3km.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Great manoeuvrability
* Great roll rate
* Good armour protection around the cockpit area that will protect the pilot
* 480 countermeasures are extremely effective against common heat-seeking missiles and early radar-guided missiles
* Devastating cannon with a large ammo pool
* Great payload options for ground attack
* Access to four all-aspect AIM-9L Sidewinder air-to-air missiles with long range, excellent turning ability, and some flare resistance
* Sturdy wings which are hard to rip and don't break in dives
* Access to AGM-65D air-to-ground TV-guided missiles which have heat-sensing thermal sights and can therefore be used during night operations unlike the previous AGM-65A/B
* The aircraft's slow speed means G-forces sustained during manoeuvres isn't much of an issue
* Many people mistake you for only having 2 AIM-9Ls while it can carry 4 leading to easy kills on quick guessing targets
* With the AIM-9Ls you can get 2-4 easy kills (as long as they don't have flares/don't see it) often in a downteir

'''Cons:'''

* Very poor climb rate and moderate acceleration
* Extremely poor top speed makes the A-10 easy prey, especially to SAMs and SPAA
* Does not have access to gunpods or guided bombs which the premium A-10 gets
* Engine can potentially overheat when running at or near 100% throttle unless on a winter map
* Engines are heavily exposed and vulnerable
* Large wingspan makes for a large target

== History ==

The A-10A Late was a minor upgrade in the A-10. It featured the new and improved AGM-65D's which was in initial operation in 1985. Unlike the AGM-65B, the D variant featured an IR seeker. The AGM-65B used a TV camera that heavily depended on weather conditions and whether it was night or daytime. The AGM-65D solved that issue by using infrared and could be used in many weather conditions and most importantly, in the night. The Late was largely unchanged compared to the Early.
== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=a_10a_late Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|ty5x8xhle84|'''The Shooting Range #295''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:28 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== See also ==


* [[A-10A]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7590-development-a-10a-thunderbolt-ii-the-warthog-arrives-in-war-thunder-en|[Devblog] A-10A Thunderbolt II: The 'Warthog' Arrives in War Thunder!]]
* [https://archive.org/details/T.O.1A10A1FlightManualA10ASerno7500258AndSubsequent15031988/mode/2up/ Technical Order 1A-10-1 - USAF Series A-10A Aircraft Flight Manual]

{{AirManufacturer Fairchild}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

F-111A

2023-11-03T10:25:22Z

U88940890: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card
|code=f_111a
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

Following the exposition of the shortcomings of the current fighter aircraft of the United States in the 1960s, particularly shown during the Vietnam War, the U.S. Department of Defense set out to procure a versatile, long-range strike aircraft to meet the demands of the Cold War for both the US Navy and Air Force. The F-111 project was born as a joint effort between the Air Force and Navy, aiming to create a multi-role aircraft capable of performing both strategic and tactical missions in USAF doctrine and for Navy "fleet defence and strike" doctrine, resulting in the F-111 development program being one of the most comical rollercoaster rides in the world of military aviation. After many shortcomings, failures, and cancellations of certain aspects of the program, primarily the F-111K (UK export variant) and F-111B (US Navy fleet defence fighter) being cancelled, the development shifted to solely focus on the USAF frontline-bomber variant. Though the F-111 program faced numerous challenges and controversies, it eventually evolved into an impressive aircraft known for its adaptability and innovative technology. The initial chapter in this story, the F-111A, was just the tip of the spear, and the advent of a long and notable history of the "Aardvark" family.

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a heavy frontline bomber and low-altitude interdictor, introduced in [[Update "Kings of Battle"]]. Building upon the doctrine and playstyle of previous aircraft in the bomber line, primarily the previous F-105D, the F-111A borrows many of its mission profiles, and as such has a similar set of advantages and disadvantages against its adversaries. The F-111 is characterized by being the extreme of most ends in-game, being the fastest aircraft in-game at the time of its introduction, at a Battle Rating where nothing can even dream of catching you at your max speed. However, reaching that max speed is another story, as the Pratt & Whitney TF-30 engines, familiar to pilots of the [[F-14A Early]], have abysmal acceleration, which when coupled with the high-drag airframe, means that the F-111A bleeds energy dangerously quickly in any manoeuvre. However, do not let these donwnsides deter you from the venerable 'Vark, as in the hands of a more experienced player, it can be a very dangerous fighter at its battle rating, utilizing its good top speed and great manoeuvrability at low speed to win almost all engagements it finds itself in. If all else fails, the F-111 can resort to bombing bases thanks to its highly respectable ordnance load, capable of leveling up to seven bases in Air Realistic Battles when fully loaded with bombs. In ground battles, the F-111 can function as a precision interdictor thanks to its small selection of precision weapons and bomb computer, or more likely, as an area-level frontline strike aircraft, thanks to its capability to carpet bomb with up to fifty bombs, or hammer a smaller area with its 456x FFAR rockets.

'''Players must take caution when taking any ordnance on the outermost four pylons, as this configuration locks the wings in forward sweep and turns the F-111 into a subsonic bomb truck.'''

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}

''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at _,___ m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | ___
|-
! Upgraded
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| _ || _ || _ || _ || _ || _ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || ___ || ___ || ___ || ~__ || ~__
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < ___ || < ___ || < ___ || -
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | _____ || _
| colspan="2" | _,___ kg || colspan="2" | ___ kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel
|-
| ___ kg || colspan="2" | ___
| _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (___%/WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || ___%/WEP
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || ___ kgf || ___ kgf
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
| ''Optimal'' || ___ kgf (_ km/h) || ___ kgf (_ km/h)
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}

''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}


The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 52 x large calibre countermeasures

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''

== Usage in battles ==

''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''

=== Pros and cons ===

''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''

'''Pros:'''

*insanely fast it will outrun everything
*tons of payload mean there is no shortage in firepower
*powerful Vulcan with 2000 rounds

'''Cons:'''

*fuel consumption is insanely high
*Aim 9Bs are practicably useless

== History ==

=== Devblog History ===
The prototype of a new American bomber was born from the conditions of a complex and constantly changing technical specification. The first flight of the F-111A prototype took place at the end of 1964 with serial production being established only 3 years later. While the initial priority for avionics development was the use of nuclear weapons, the Vietnam War dramatically changed the Aardvark's purpose towards a low-altitude bombing aircraft that could fly deep into enemy territory beyond the reach of anti-aircraft weaponry. The F-111 was in service with the U.S. Air Force until 1996 and was widely used in various military operations.

== Media ==

''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==

''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/8545-development-f-111a-aardvark-the-ultimate-bomber-en|[Devblog] F-111A Aardvark: The Ultimate Bomber!]]

{{USA jet aircraft}}

Battle ratings

2023-10-31T15:38:52Z

U88940890: /* Air Realistic Battles */

{{DISPLAYTITLE:Battle Ratings}}
__TOC__

==General Information==

'''Battle rating''' (BR) is a value used to determine matchmaking in War Thunder. Battle rating is a number assigned to every aircraft, ground unit, and naval vessel in the game that correlates with their effectiveness in combat. Roughly speaking, as a vehicle's capabilities and performance increase, so does its battle rating. Battle rating can also differ depending on the game mode. For example, if a vehicle may perform considerably better compared to its opponents in Arcade Battles than in Realistic Battles, it may have a higher battle rating in the former.

'''Battle rating does not correspond with real-life introduction dates, but rather, the vehicle's in-game performance.''' Even if major technological imbalances existed among the vehicles in real life, the battle rating system allows War Thunder to remain balanced at all ranks by only matching vehicles with similar in-game performance against each other.

Battle ratings exists in steps of 0.3 or 0.4 starting from 1.0 and ending at 12.3 (i.e. 1.0, 1.3, 1.7, 2.0, 2.3, 2.7,etc.).

{{Notice|Matchmaking is based solely on battle rating; the rank of a vehicle is irrelevant.}}

The battle rating of every vehicle can be found at the top of its stat card or in the lower-right corner of its icon in the Research screen. To check the vehicle's BR in different game modes, select the appropriate mode in the drop-down menu lower-right corner of the Research screen. Note that the BR of "Reserve" vehicles is 1.0.

The battle rating that the [[Matchmaker]] will use will always be displayed at the top of the screen, underneath "To Battle!".

==Aviation==

===Air Arcade Battles===

In Air Arcade Battles, matchmaking is determined by the '''total battle rating''' of a lineup, which is calculated based on the three highest BR aircraft of that lineup. Ground units and naval vessels in the lineup cannot be taken into battle and will have no effect on the calculation of total battle rating. Damaged aircraft, or aircraft that are on [[Crew lock]], will not be factored into calculation either.

In general:

* Total BR will only be lowered if there is only one aircraft with the highest BR in the lineup (e.g. one 5.0, with all else 4.7 or lower).

* Total BR can be lowered by a maximum of one BR step below the highest BR aircraft (e.g. 5.0 to 4.7, 3.7 to 3.3).

* Only BR differences of up to 2.0 are taken into consideration; otherwise, total BR is taken from the highest BR.

Players will only be matched against other players based on their total battle rating. They may be able to see players with a total BR as low or as high as their own total BR ±1.0. For example, if a player's total BR is 3.0, they can be matched with players with total BR between 2.0 and 4.0.

=====Calculation=====

If '''A''' is the highest BR in a lineup, '''B''' is the second highest BR, and '''C''' is the third highest BR, then the formula for '''Total BR''' is as follows:

:'''Total BR''' = ('''A''' ÷ 2) + ('''X''' ÷ 4) + ('''Y''' ÷ 4)

where:

* If '''A''' - '''B''' < 0.6, then:

:: '''X''' = '''B'''

* If 0.6 ≤ '''A''' - '''B''' ≤ 2.0, then:

:: '''X''' = '''A''' - 0.6

* If '''A''' - '''B''' > 2.0, then:

:: '''X''' = '''A'''

* If '''A''' - '''C''' < 0.6, then:

:: '''Y''' = '''C'''

* If 0.6 ≤ '''A''' - '''C''' ≤ 2.0, then:

:: '''Y''' = '''A''' - 0.6

* If '''A''' - '''C''' > 2.0, then:

:: '''Y''' = '''A'''

In other words, if the difference between '''A''' and '''B''' is less than 0.6, then '''B''' is substituted for '''X''' in the equation. If the difference is between 0.6 and 2.0, inclusive, then ('''A''' - 0.6) is substituted for '''X'''. If the difference is greater than 2.0, then '''A''' is substituted for '''X'''.

The value of Y is calculated the same way, except the difference between '''A''' and '''C''' is compared instead.

Once evaluated, the resulting value '''Total BR''' is rounded to the nearest battle rating step. For example, 3.1 (which is closer to 3.0 than 3.3) will be rounded down to 3.0, and 3.2 (which is closer to 3.3 than 3.0) will be rounded up to 3.3.

Values exactly between two steps are rounded up. For example, 3.15 (which is exactly between 3.0 and 3.3) will be rounded to 3.3, and 3.5 (which is exactly between 3.4 and 3.7) will be rounded to 3.7.

====Example Calculation====

Here is an example calculation of total battle rating, where:

: '''A''' = 6.0
: '''B''' = 5.7
: '''C''' = 5.0

First, the difference between '''A''' and '''B''' is checked. The difference is 0.3, so:

: '''X''' = '''B''' = 5.7

Now, the difference between '''A''' and '''C''' is checked. The difference is 1.0, so:

: '''Y''' = '''A''' - 0.6 = 5.4

Substituting these values into the equation:

:'''Total BR''' = ('''6.0''' ÷ 2) + ('''5.7''' ÷ 4) + ('''5.4''' ÷ 4) = '''5.775'''

The resulting value, '''5.775''', is closer to 5.7 than 6.0, so the value is rounded down to '''5.7'''.

Thus, for a lineup whose highest BRs are 6.0, 5.7, and 5.0, the '''Total BR''' of the lineup is '''5.7'''.

====Tabular Examples====

Some example lineups:

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! A !! B !! C !! Overall BR
|-
| 8.0 || 7.7 || 7.7 || 8.0
|-
| 5.0 || 4.3 || 4.0 || 4.7
|-
| 4.0 || 4.0 || 2.0 || 4.0
|-
| 3.7 || 3.0 || 2.7 || 3.3
|-
| 5.0 || 1.0|| 1.0|| 5.0
|}

====Pictoral Examples====

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:1100px; overflow:auto;">
Click '''Expand''' to view
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
{| class="wikitable" align="center"
|-
! colspan="2" | Legend
|-
!Aircraft!!Battle Rating
|-
| style="background: #ff8484" align="center" |[[File:Matchmaker F-86f-25 icon.png|frameless|link=]] || Aircraft with the highest battle rating
|-
| style="background: #ffc284" align="center" |[[File:Matchmaker MiG-9 icon.png|frameless|link=]] || Aircraft with battle rating 0.3 below the highest BR
|-
| style="background: #ffff84" align="center" |[[File:Matchmaker SpitfireF24 icon.png|frameless|link=]] || Aircraft with battle rating is between 0.6 and 2.0 below the highest BR
|-
| style="background: #84ff84" align="center" |[[File:Matchmaker I-153 icon.png|frameless|link=]] || Aircraft with battle rating greater than 2.0 below the highest BR
|}

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Aircraft 1 !! Aircraft 2 !! Aircraft 3 !! ⇒ !! BR Result
|-
| style="background: #ff8484" |[[File:Matchmaker F-86f-25 icon.png|frameless|link=]] || style="background: #ff8484" |[[File:Matchmaker F-86f-25 icon.png|frameless|link=]] || style="background: #ff8484" |[[File:Matchmaker F-86f-25 icon.png|frameless|link=]] || ⇒ || style="background: #ff8484" |[[File:Matchmaker F-86f-25 icon.png|frameless|link=]]
|-
| style="background: #ff8484" |[[File:Matchmaker F-86f-25 icon.png|frameless|link=]] || style="background: #ff8484" |[[File:Matchmaker F-86f-25 icon.png|frameless|link=]] || style="background: #ffc284" |[[File:Matchmaker MiG-9 icon.png|frameless|link=]] || ⇒ || style="background: #ff8484" |[[File:Matchmaker F-86f-25 icon.png|frameless|link=]]
|-
| style="background: #ff8484" |[[File:Matchmaker F-86f-25 icon.png|frameless|link=]] || style="background: #ff8484" |[[File:Matchmaker F-86f-25 icon.png|frameless|link=]] || style="background: #ffff84" |[[File:Matchmaker SpitfireF24 icon.png|frameless|link=]] || ⇒ || style="background: #ff8484" |[[File:Matchmaker F-86f-25 icon.png|frameless|link=]]
|-
| style="background: #ff8484" |[[File:Matchmaker F-86f-25 icon.png|frameless|link=]] || style="background: #ff8484" |[[File:Matchmaker F-86f-25 icon.png|frameless|link=]] || style="background: #84ff84" |[[File:Matchmaker I-153 icon.png|frameless|link=]] || ⇒ || style="background: #ff8484" |[[File:Matchmaker F-86f-25 icon.png|frameless|link=]]
|-
| style="background: #ff8484" |[[File:Matchmaker F-86f-25 icon.png|frameless|link=]] || style="background: #ffc284" |[[File:Matchmaker MiG-9 icon.png|frameless|link=]] || style="background: #ffc284" |[[File:Matchmaker MiG-9 icon.png|frameless|link=]] || ⇒ || style="background: #ff8484" |[[File:Matchmaker F-86f-25 icon.png|frameless|link=]]
|-
| style="background: #ff8484" |[[File:Matchmaker F-86f-25 icon.png|frameless|link=]] || style="background: #ffc284" |[[File:Matchmaker MiG-9 icon.png|frameless|link=]] || style="background: #ffff84" |[[File:Matchmaker SpitfireF24 icon.png|frameless|link=]] || ⇒ || style="background: #ffc284" |[[File:Matchmaker MiG-9 icon.png|frameless|link=]]
|-
| style="background: #ff8484" |[[File:Matchmaker F-86f-25 icon.png|frameless|link=]] || style="background: #ffc284" |[[File:Matchmaker MiG-9 icon.png|frameless|link=]] || style="background: #84ff84" |[[File:Matchmaker I-153 icon.png|frameless|link=]] || ⇒ || style="background: #ff8484" |[[File:Matchmaker F-86f-25 icon.png|frameless|link=]]
|-
| style="background: #ff8484" |[[File:Matchmaker F-86f-25 icon.png|frameless|link=]] || style="background: #ffff84" |[[File:Matchmaker SpitfireF24 icon.png|frameless|link=]] || style="background: #ffff84" |[[File:Matchmaker SpitfireF24 icon.png|frameless|link=]] || ⇒ || style="background: #ffc284" |[[File:Matchmaker MiG-9 icon.png|frameless|link=]]
|-
| style="background: #ff8484" |[[File:Matchmaker F-86f-25 icon.png|frameless|link=]] || style="background: #ffff84" |[[File:Matchmaker SpitfireF24 icon.png|frameless|link=]] || style="background: #84ff84" |[[File:Matchmaker I-153 icon.png|frameless|link=]] || ⇒ || style="background: #ff8484" |[[File:Matchmaker F-86f-25 icon.png|frameless|link=]]
|-
|}
</div>
</div>

===Air Realistic Battles===

In Air Realistic Battles, only the aircraft currently selected will be taken into battle, and its battle rating will be used to determine matchmaking. Players will only see aircraft with battle rating + or - 1.0 compared to their own.

===Air Simulator Battles===

In Air Simulator Battles, there are two battle rating ranges for each team, '''Allowed vehicles''' and '''Required vehicles'''. Any aircraft with battle rating in the '''Allowed vehicles''' range can be taken into battle. However, to enter an Air Simulator game, at least one aircraft in the lineup must be in the '''Required vehicles''' range. Players are matched with other players whose lineups consist of vehicles in the '''Allowed vehicles''' range.

Typically, in an Air Simulator game, lower battle rating vehicles can spawn immediately, while higher battle rating vehicles may require Spawn Points (SP) and may have a cooldown timer until they can be spawned again.

Ground units and naval vessels in the lineup are not taken into account and cannot be taken into battle. Neither can damaged vehicles or vehicles on [[Crew lock]].

===Air Arcade Assault===

In Air Arcade Assault mode, there are battle rating ranges as follows:

* 1.0 - 2.3
* 2.7 - 3.7
* 4.0 - 5.0
* 5.3 - 6.3
* 6.7+

The battle rating of the highest BR aircraft in a lineup is used to determine which range a player will be matched in.

Ground units and naval vessels in the lineup are not taken into account and cannot be taken into battle. Neither can damaged vehicles or vehicles on [[Crew lock]].

==Ground Forces==

===Ground Arcade Battles===

In Ground Arcade Battles, the battle rating of the highest BR ground vehicle, with players only able to see ground units with BR ±1.0.

Aircraft and naval vessels in the lineup are not taken into account and cannot be taken into battle. Neither can damaged vehicles or vehicles on [[Crew lock]].

===Ground Realistic Battles===

In Ground Realistic Battles, the batting rating of the highest BR ground vehicle or aircraft (including helicopters) is used, with players only able to see ground units and aircraft with BR ±1.0.

For example, for a lineup consisting of a BR 5.0 ground unit and a BR 5.3 aircraft, the BR of the aircraft is taken, and vehicles with BR between 4.3 and 6.3 can be seen.

Naval vessels in the lineup are not taken into account and cannot be taken into battle. Neither can damaged vehicles or vehicles on [[Crew lock]].

===Ground Simulator Battles===

In Ground Simulator Battles, battle rating is irrelevant in matchmaking. Only vehicles listed on the '''Allowed vehicles''' list can be taken into battle, with at least one vehicle from the '''Required vehicles''' list (if applicable) required to enter the game.

Any vehicle not listed in either the '''Allowed vehicles''' list will not be taken into battle. Neither can damaged vehicles or vehicles on [[Crew lock]].

===Ground Arcade Assault===

In Ground Arcade Assault mode, there are battle rating ranges as follows:

* 1.0 - 2.3
* 2.7 - 3.7
* 4.0 - 5.0
* 5.3 - 6.3
* 6.7 - 8.0
* 8.3+

The battle rating of the highest BR ground unit or helicopter in a lineup is used to determine which range a player will be matched in.

Aircraft and naval vessels in the lineup are not taken into account and cannot be taken into battle. Neither can damaged vehicles or vehicles on [[Crew lock]].

==Naval Forces==

Matchmaking works the same way in both naval Arcade and Realistic battles. The battle rating of the highest BR naval vessel is used, with players able to see naval vessels and aircraft with BR ±1.0. Aircraft with BR up to one BR step (+0.3/0.4) above the highest BR naval vessel can also be taken. If the BR of the aircraft exceeds the BR of the naval vessel, its BR will be used instead. Aircraft more than one BR step higher than the highest naval vessel are not taken into account and will not be available to be used in the battle.

For example, for a lineup consisting of a BR 2.0 naval vessel and a BR 2.3 aircraft, the BR of the aircraft is taken, and vehicles with BR between 1.3 and 3.3 can be seen. For a lineup consisting of a BR 2.0 naval vessel and a BR 2.7 aircraft, the aircraft will not be taken into battle and vehicles with BR between 1.0 and 3.0 will be seen.

Ground units in the lineup are not taken into account and cannot be taken into battle. Neither can damaged vehicles or vehicles on [[Crew lock]].

==Squads==

In any game mode except for Air and Ground Forces Simulator Battles, when playing in a squad, the Matchmaker uses the highest battle rating within the squad. For Air AB, the highest total BR within the squad is used.

For example, in Air RB, for a squadron consisting of a BR 4.7 aircraft and a BR 5.7 aircraft, the BR of the higher aircraft is used, and both players will be put into matches where they can see aircraft with BR between 4.7 and 6.7.

[[Category:Game mechanics]]

Su-25BM

2023-10-12T08:52:27Z

U88940890: /* Pros and cons */

{{About
| about = gift Soviet strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Su-25 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=su_25_558arz
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|market=id50232_su_25bm_ussr
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}'''* (unified NATO codename: Frogfoot) is the Belarusian modification of the [[Su-25]] performed by the JSC "558 Aircraft Repair Plant" (Авиационный ремонтный завод; ARZ) in Baranovichi, Belarus for the Kazakh Air Defense Forces, mainly focusing on the modernization of the cockpit with modern avionics and new ECM equipment for the modern battlefield. According to the news in 2016, Kazakhstan sought Belarus for upgrades to their remaining fleet of Su-25. The aircraft were sent to the 558 ARZ for upgrades, trialled in mid-2017, and returned for service in Kazakhstan in 2018.

Introduced during [[Update "La Royale"]] as a reward for the [[wt:en/news/8384-event-summer-extreme-en|2023 Summer Extreme]] event, the Su-25BM featured new avionics in the cockpit with a new HUD and MFDs replacing most analogue gauges, as well as new PS-25 weapons control system for new weaponry like the infamous R-73 (AA-11 Archer) AAM and all previous air-to-ground ordnance ranging from GP bombs up to TV-guided bombs and laser-guided AGMs, enhancing the overall combat capabilities of the otherwise obsolete Frogfoots.

*Note: the code BM was first used by target-drone tow plane (Buksirovshchik Misheney); but it is likely the abbreviation of Belarus Modernizirovannyi (Belarusian Modernization) in this case.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}

For long-time players of the Su-25(K), the overall flight performance is very similar; for new players, do not underestimate the airframe of such an attacker. The R-95SH engine can quickly push the jet up to 960 km/h before structural failure in level flights even at high payload. Once players have used up all their A2G ordnances or brought only AAMs, the straight wing also allows the Su-25BM to turn with some heavy jets at its rank. However, due to the nature of being a subsonic attacker at top tier, enemy jets tend not to have dogfights especially with a Frogfoot even though it is a heavy target. Be sure not to be the first to enter the battlefield as there is a high likelihood for multiple enemies seeking out the relatively easy prey that is the Su-25BM.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 1,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 969 || 962 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 27.4 || 28.1 || 67.2 || 63.0 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 989 || 979 || 26.6 || 27.0 || 94.6 || 80.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| ✓ || X || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| 1,100  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 900 || - || 420 || ~7 || ~3
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 500 || < 600 || < 700 || -
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | _____ || _
| colspan="2" | _,___ kg || colspan="2" | ___ kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel
|-
| ___ kg || colspan="2" | ___
| _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (___%/WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || ___%/WEP
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || ___ kgf || ___ kgf
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
| ''Optimal'' || ___ kgf (_ km/h) || ___ kgf (_ km/h)
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}

The Su-25BM's airframe is strong, able to take hits on critical parts of the aircraft and still make it back to base. The Su-25BM has plenty of armour around the cockpit and inside the fuselage, with bulletproof glass being the main protection of the pilot.

256 countermeasures allow the aircraft to avoid IR and radar-guided missiles with ease. This, and the fact that the engines lack any type of afterburner/WEP, makes it hard for enemy missiles to follow the Su-25BM reliably. Only the more advanced missiles are able to get a good lock on the Su-25BM, and even then, manoeuvring after dropping 2 or 4 flares will be more than enough to avoid most of them.

Fuel tanks are self-sealing, which means that in case of any fuel tank fire, the fuel tank will be able to stop the fire most of the time. In case a fire happens inside the engine and not on a fuel tank, the Su-25BM also has EFS as a modification. This modification is capable of extinguishing any fire that's inside an engine, leaving the affected engine inoperable, but saving the airframe from further fire damage.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs) !! Lead indicator
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|GSh-30-2 (30 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 30 mm GSh-30-2 cannon, chin-mounted (250 rpg)
* 256 x countermeasures

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}


The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10
| rowspan="25" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_Su-25.png]]</div>
|-
! [[GSh-23L (23 mm)|23 mm GSh-23L]] cannons (250 rpg)
| || || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
! [[OFAB-100 (100 kg)|100 kg OFAB-100]] bombs
| || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 ||
|-
! [[OFAB-250sv (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250sv]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[OFAB-250Sh (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250Sh]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[FAB-500M-62 (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500M-62]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[FAB-500Sh (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500Sh]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[KAB-500Kr (500 kg)|500 kg KAB-500Kr]] bombs
| || || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
! [[ZB-500 incendiary]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[S-5K]] rockets
| || 32 || 32 || 32 || 32 || 32 || 32 || 32 || 32 ||
|-
! [[S-8KO]] rockets
| || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 ||
|-
! [[S-13OF]] rockets
| || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 ||
|-
! [[S-24B]] rockets
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[S-25O]] rockets
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[S-25OF]] rockets
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[S-25OFM]] rockets
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[Kh-25]] missiles
| || || 1 || 1 || || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[Kh-25ML]] missiles
| || || 1 || 1 || || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[Kh-29L]] missiles
| || || || || 1 || 1 || || || ||
|-
! [[Kh-29T]] missiles
| || || || || 1 || 1 || || || ||
|-
! [[R-60MK]] missiles
| 1 || || || || || || || || || 1
|-
! [[R-73]] missiles
| || 1 || || || || || || || 1 ||
|-
! [[S-25L]] missiles
| || || 1 || 1 || || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! 800 l drop tanks
| || || || || 1 || 1 || || || ||
|-
| colspan="11" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}

* 2 x 800 l drop tanks
* 2 x R-60MK missiles
* 2 x R-73 missiles
* 32 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (3,200 kg total)
* 8 x 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 8 x 250 kg OFAB-250Sh bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 8 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 8 x 500 kg FAB-500Sh bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 4 x 500 kg KAB-500Kr bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 8 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs
* 256 x S-5K rockets
* 160 x S-8KO rockets
* 40 x S-13OF rockets
* 8 x S-24B rockets
* 8 x S-25O rockets
* 4 x S-25L missiles
* 4 x Kh-25ML missiles
* 2 x Kh-29L missiles
* 2 x Kh-29T missiles
* 4 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg = 1,000 total)
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

As the modernized Su-25K of Eastern Bloc/CIS countries, players will get used to its performance very quickly if they owned other Frogfoots, enjoying the upgraded features of Su-25BM both at aerial combats and pounding ground targets at safer distance. Making Su-25BM a versatile jet at its tier.

==== Air - Heavy but Packs A punch ====
One thing players will soon notice is the identical airframe of early series of Su-25, not only it retains the identical engine from these jets, the airframe is still equally heavy. While the weight in this case is due to the extra protections around the cockpit, this might not be a good news to players of Su-25BM; the thrust of Su-25 can still push the jet to its structural limits even at level flight, if enemy fighters have intentions to take players out with different ordnances, chances are you could not make it out of the frontline without suffering severe damages. The 256 countermeasures can still make sure players can evade missiles, but at such speed, they will need extra launches to evade missiles. To say at least - taking an attacker as a fighter is never, ever a good idea, especially for such a heavy jet; but a good news for Su-25BM players is that it is also the first jet to officially introduce R-73 in game. In case of players coming too close to your radius at around 3 km, the all-aspect R-73 with high overload can make sure enemy jets will face their end quickly; it can also serve as a mean to deter enemies from taking you as the target. As long as the skies are clear from enemy jets, use your weapons of choice to earn extra incomes on ground AI targets or bases; the guns are powerful enough to gun down even MBTs with precise hits from higher angle of attack.

==== Ground - The Overwatcher ====
All the previous weaponries on Su-25 are available on the BM variant, thanks to the upgrade from Belarus, it can also use safer standoff weapons like KAB-500Kr or Kh-29T to take out high value targets; it will be a good idea to take out enemy SPAAs before heading for the battlefield. After these targets have been cleared, players can unleash unguided bombs and rockets to finish-off remaining ground vehicles and clearing the path for victory; if enemy jets think otherwise, the onboard IR AAMs could still make sure they have to think twice before heading for your team.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Mounts R-73 missiles, which are extremely effective
* Capable of equipping a large amount of air-to-ground armament
* Powerful chin-mounted GSh-30-2 autocannon
* Access to more advanced, fire and forget standoff A2G armaments
* Could take additional hits thanks to the well-protected airframe
* Integrated avionics for better awareness in SB battles

'''Cons:'''

* Has a relatively low top speed, capable of ripping its own wings in level flight
* Low ammo count for the 30 mm cannon
* Low manoeuvrability due to the weight and obsolete engine
* Inferior SPO-15 RWR with worse situational awareness to radar sources
* still a SU25 with most its characteristics

== History ==

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, there was an abundance of ex-Soviet strategic weapons (ICBMs, MIRVs, nuclear weapons, and strategic bombers) scattered throughout the ex-socialist republics. One of them was Kazakhstan, which had already quit the Union by October 1990. They returned the 40 Tu-95MS (13 MS-16 and 27 MS-6 respectively; where 7 of them were dismantled in Kazakhstan due to poor condition) of the 79th Heavy Bomber Aviation Division which was stationed at Dolon Airbase to Russia in 1992, as well as 370 tactical missiles with nuclear warheads; this in turn became a deal between Kazakhstan and Russia that some of the units from the Turkmenistan Military District would be returned to Kazakhstan in 1995, as well as new units including 12 Su-25 and 2 Su-25UB. These 14 aircraft were assigned to the (602nd) Chimkent Air Base as part of the composition of the newly-born Kazakh ADF.

Due to the aging and already obsolete airframe for future battlefield, there was news that Kazakhstan Aviation Industry and Belarusian JSC "558 Aircraft Repair Plant" planned for upgrades for the 12 Kazakh Su-25 in June 2016 where these jets would sent to Baranovichi, Belarus for the upgrades.<ref>https://airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/global-news-2016/june/2733-kazakhstan-plans-to-upgrade-its-fleet-of-su-25-combat-aircraft.html</ref> The upgrades included (based on the details of Bulgarian upgrades):<ref>https://www.key.aero/article/depth-look-bulgarias-modernised-frogfoot-fleet</ref>

* SOI-25 integrated flight display systems with ILS-31ZhK HUD and two MFI-10 MFDs
* New SNS navigation systems compatible with GPS/GLONASS
* New digital computer
* PS-25 weapon system for more advanced missiles and better engage altitude
* Satellite-M2 jammer system
* SVR-2T and Tester-U3-2 FDR

These new jets was first tested in mid-2017 in Belarus and first batches of the upgraded jets were return to the Kazakh ADF by early 2018<ref>https://defence-blog.com/kazakhstan-receives-refurbed-su-25-ground-attack-aircraft/</ref>; all of them are likely to be operational at present; these jets also became the foundation of Su-25K upgrades of Eastern Bloc countries.

The default livery in-game represents 02 of the 602nd Airbase stationed at Chimkent, while the purchasable/unlockable livery represents No.32 of 116th Guards Assault Air Base and the event-limited livery represents White 246 of 22th ShtAB, Bulgarian Air Force.

== Media ==


;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|jBm6zmFL7Os|'''SU-25 BM Vehicle Overview''' - ''Bob Dickinson''}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[Su-25 (Family)]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/8387-development-su-25bm-558-arz-strike-jet-aircraft-en|[Devblog] Su-25BM 558 ARZ strike jet aircraft]]

{{AirManufacturer Sukhoi}}
{{USSR jet aircraft}}
<references />

F-5C

2023-10-06T09:39:32Z

U88940890: /* Survivability and armour */

{{About
| about = American jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-5 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f-5c
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|StoreImage F-5C 001.jpg|StoreImage F-5C 002.jpg|StoreImage F-5C 003.jpg|StoreImage F-5C 004.jpg|StoreImage F-5C 005.jpg}}
|store=10174
}}

== Description ==

During the Vietnam War, the USAF requested F-5 Freedom Fighters due to the high loss rates of other aircraft in use. The Defense Department originally rejected the proposal but later accepted it in 1965. Codenamed “Skoshi Tiger”, the USAF would use 12 F-5A’s from the Military Assistance Program (MAP) for performance evaluations. They would eventually receive inflight refueling probes, lead-computing gunsight, significant armour on the belly, and designated as the F-5C Skoshi Tiger. The Skoshi Tiger program would later end with the DoD rejecting a second proposal for more F-5’s.

Introduced in [[Update "Red Skies"]] as a premium fighter, the '''{{Specs|name}}''' is an excellent fighter. Firstly, the F-5C has access to countermeasures which is incredibly important for its battle rating. Furthermore, the F-5C has a low heat signature which helps against evading IR missiles. The F-5C also can carry two AIM-9E Sidewinders which are decent but players should not rely on them to get kills. The two 20 mm cannons mounted in the nose will be the primary way of downing enemy aircraft along with its excellent performance. Although it can carry bombs, players should stick to using it as a fighter where it shines.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}

The F-5C is generally an all-round good fighter. It's not the fastest plane and not the most manoeuvrable, but the combination of its decent speed, acceleration, and manoeuvrability make it a joy to fly and fight in. The F-5C has excellent turn rate and energy retention while maintaining a speed above Mach 0.85.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 10,668 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 1,429 || 1,421 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 27.1 || 28.2 || 112.7 || 99.2 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,460 || 1,443 || 26.9 || 27.0 || 159.1 || 133.6
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 926 || 560 || 555 || ~11 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 680 || < 750 || < 700 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric J85-GE-13 || 2
| colspan="2" | 4,051 kg || colspan="3" | 366 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 11m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 37m fuel
|-
| 271 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 4,580 kg || 4,992 kg || 5,463 kg || 5,814 kg || 9,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 11m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 37m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 960 kgf || 1,426 kgf
| 0.62 || 0.57 || 0.52 || 0.49 || 0.32
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 1,200 kgf (1,400 km/h) || 2,459 kgf (1,400 km/h)
| 1.07 || 0.99 || 0.90 || 0.85 || 0.55
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}


Although the F-5C was equipped with armour plates in real life, in-game there is no armour present. This leaves the engine and other critical plates vulnerable to ground fire. However, the F-5C is a relatively small target to hit which counteracts the lack of armour. There are two fuel tanks mounted in the centre of the fuselage behind the pilot and both are self-sealing. The F-5C is surprisingly durable in-game and can take a few hits before being counted as destroyed.

The F-5C also has 60 countermeasures which in combination with the low heat signature, greatly helps with evading IR missiles. Even strong IR missiles like the [[AIM-9L]] can easily be flared off. Unfortunately, the countermeasure drops in pairs so one drop means the loss of two countermeasures. With a mixed loadout, players will only have 15 drops before running out. Due to the F-5C’s battle rating, it’s better to choose standard flares as players will receive 30 drops and radar missiles are not a major threat yet, unless meeting planes like the mig 21.
[[File:F-5C layout.png|thumb|center|F-5C's layout of components]]

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|M39A2 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* A choice between two presets:
** 2 x 20 mm M39A2 cannons, nose-mounted (280 rpg = 560 total)
** 2 x 20 mm M39A2 cannons + 60 x countermeasures

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}


The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="6%" | 1 !! width="6%" | 2 !! width="6%" | 3 !! width="6%" | 4 !! width="6%" | 5 !! width="6%" | 6 !! width="6%" | 7
| rowspan="12" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_F-5E_(China).png]]</div>
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|250 lb LDGP Mk 81]] bombs
| || || 6 || 6 || 6 || ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[Mk 82 Snakeye (500 lb)|500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|750 lb M117 cone 45]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83]] bombs
| || || 1 || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84]] bombs
| || || || 1 || || ||
|-
! [[BLU-1 incendiary]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] rockets
| || 19 || 19 || || 19 || 19 ||
|-
! [[Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP]] rockets
| || 4 || || || || 4 ||
|-
! [[AGM-12B Bullpup]] missiles
| || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[AIM-9E Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || || || || || || 1
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}

* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
* 18 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (4,500 lb total)
* 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (2,500 lb total)
* 5 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (2,500 lb total)
* 5 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (3,750 lb total)
* 3 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb (2,000 lb total)
* 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 4 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles
* 5 x BLU-1 incendiary bombs
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==


In air RB, the F-5C can be played as both a support and offensive plane. In medium range engagements, it plays well as a support fighter, either baiting enemies to use up missiles with the large amount of flares/chaff or launching missiles at enemies who are chasing friendly aircraft to give a chance to let your teammate get in a better position. In close range engagements, with some effort you can stay on the tail of the enemy, if possible making the enemy pull as many manoeuvres as possible to slow them down so you can get a short burst from the respectable 20 mm cannons mounted in the nose. Due to the plane's characteristics, overshooting an enemy won't be the end of a dogfight, the F-5C is able bleed enough speed in a quick turn to get right back on the enemy if they don't take advantage of the overshoot or if they are going too slow to be able to make any quick counterattack. Being slow and at a disadvantage, which is bad for any other jet at this tier, is especially terrible for this plane. The weak engines compared to its adversaries and the wing shape combine to give you great AoA but poor energy retention. At speeds above Mach 0.9, this is not an issue, but any lower than 850 km/h you will start to lose speed rapidly in a sharp turn. It is therefore recommended to pick 1v1 fights against weaker aircraft or enlist the help of teammates to take down the enemy. Another useful tip when grinding with the F-5C is to take an 2000 lb bomb and 2 BLU-1 incendiary bombs to drop on one base before turning around and going back for air targets on the way back to the base.

In mixed ground battles (RB), the F-5C is able to function as a light strike aircraft, while also being able to maintain air supremacy. The F-5C's versatile loadout of air-to-ground ordnance allows the player to choose what range they want to do air support, for example the 4 x AGM-12B loadout is great for medium range engagements against enemy ground units.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Small size makes for a harder target to hit
* Has countermeasures
* Guns are effective
* Good turn rate
* Great energy retention above Mach 0.85
* Wide variety of weapon loadouts
* Engine does not tend to overheat even in afterburners

'''Cons:'''

* Only two fairly weak AIM-9Es air-to-air missiles
* No radar
* Below average top speed
* No CCIP or CCRP for guns, rockets, or bombs, limiting its ground attack potential
* Weak engines, just barely able to push Mach 1 with a payload

== History ==

In 1965, after the outbreak of the Vietnam War, the US government decided to send troops to South Vietnam to counter the threat of North Vietnamese forces. At that time, many tactical wings of USAF were sent to Thailand and South Vietnam for Operation Rolling Thunder, as well as to support the South Vietnam Army in countering the Viet Cong forces in the South Vietnam. In the meantime, many countries were reluctant to purchase the F-5, as it hadn't yet been adopted by the USAF. Thus, the USAF decided to let Colonel Frank Emory lead a special provisional squadron named 4503rd Tactical Fighter Squadron to take the new F-5 fighters into the Vietnam War, an excellent chance to prove that F-5 could do its job well in regional conflicts: this combat evaluation project was named "Skoshi Tiger".

[[File:Skoshi Tiger welcome banner AFHRA.png|left|thumb|343x343px|The welcome banner of F-5C Skoshi Tiger in Bien Hoa AFB, Vietnam.]]
To extend the combat capability of the Skoshi Tiger, Northrop made some modifications to the original F-5A Freedom Fighter, such as an external fixed refuelling probe on the left side of the forward fuselage that could receive fuel from a KC-135 tanker to extend the combat radius for some long-range missions. The total weight of the Skoshi Tiger's in-flight refuelling system was 85 pounds, but it could be removed if necessary. To improve the survivability of the Skoshi Tiger against enemy ground fire, two 1/4 inch-thick face-hardened steel armour plates were mounted externally on the fuselage, the function of the front plate was to protect the pilot and control mechanisms, and the aft plate protected vital hydraulic and control areas near the tail section, which added 236 pounds to the overall weight, there were five jettison-able pylons in total under the wings and fuselage like the original F-5A Freedom Fighter, other improvements such as better throttle linkage for improved afterburner modulation and the deletion of the rudder limiter were also implemented on the Skoshi Tiger.

The official name of "Skoshi Tiger" is F-5C. Five F-5A-15 and seven F-5A-20 originally destined to allied countries were withdrawn and sent to 4503rd Tactical Fighter Squadron after received those modifications. Some sources claim that USAF wanted 200 F-5 fighters which could be used in Vietnam War, in which the Skoshi Tiger program would be divided into three parts, and 4503rd Tactical Fighter Squadron was the first part who were sent to Bien Hoa AFB to attack the ground targets in South Vietnam.

On 23rd October 1965, Skoshi Tigers of 4503rd Tactical Fighter Squadron finally arrived at Bien Hoa AFB and started their combat evaluation missions. In their first combat evaluation mission on the same day, two Skoshi Tigers each carried four 500-pound bombs and 500 rounds of 20 mm ammunition to strike a Viet Cong concentration, they made five bomb runs and two strafing passes over the target, luckily these two F-5C Skoshi Tigers didn't encounter any anti-air fire in the combat zone at that time. The squadron worked as an independent combat unit until it was attached to the Bien Hoa AFB-based 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing which the latter was equipped with North American F-100D and F-100F Super Sabre fighter.

Through the end of December 1965, F-5C Skoshi Tigers usually flew their combat missions within 40 miles of their home base, and the only loss happened on 16th December 1965 due to the enemy's ground fire. By the end of the month, Skoshi Tigers had flown 1,531 sorties and finished 496 missions in total, they spent 3,110,886 pounds of ordnance against Viet Cong targets and claimed to destroy 1,377 structures with another 1,292 damaged in their Phase I combat evaluation test missions.

After that, 4503rd Tactical Fighter Squadron moved to Da Nang Forward Base for their Phase II combat evaluation test missions, which would test if F-5C Skoshi Tigers could survive in combat zones with heavy anti-air defense in North Vietnam, also providing a wonderful chance for Skoshi Tigers to prove their air combat capability by destroying any North Vietnamese aircraft in the air. However, because the combat operations near North Vietnam were forbidden by the order of the president, Skoshi Tigers lost their chance against the enemy's MiG fighters, so they changed their targets to Viet Cong troops in Laos, and air-refuelling were needed for these combat missions in Laos. From the start of the Phase II combat evaluation on 3rd January 1966 to their end on the 30th, Skoshi Tigers flew almost 400 sorties and successfully destroyed six bridges.

The Phase III combat evaluation tests started on 2nd February 1966 when the Skoshi Tigers returned to Bien Hoa AFB, and their primary mission was to support the third Army Corps. During these days (the duration of the Phase III combat test, depending on different source was 10 to 21 days), Skoshi Tigers made 348 combat sorties, the combat load carried by the Skoshi Tigers during this phase averaged 2,603 lbs per sortie.

Though the original plan was scheduled that the Skoshi Tiger program would be ended after the end of Phase III combat missions, 4503rd Tactical Fighter Squadron returned to Da Nang AFB on 20th February 1966 again because USAF still wanted to find chances to test the true survivability of F-5C fighters in combat zones with heavy anti-air defense in North Vietnam, also they wanted a chance to prove that F-5C fighters could counter any Communist MiG fighters, so the original Skoshi Tiger program was extended to Phase IV at that time. During the first week, because of bad weather conditions, F-5C fighters were driven away from Laos, but since the weather got better on 1st March 1966, they obtained permission to conduct their combat test missions on the borders of North Vietnam and South Vietnam for the first time. The Skoshi Tigers not only did ground attack role but some of them also carried two AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles to perform air escort missions for allied aircraft, they logged 176 combat sorties on 45 missions over North Vietnam and Laos area, also they spent 5,923 rounds of 20 mm ammunition and 543 M117 750 lb bombs during these combat missions until 10th March 1966.

On 8th March 1966, the Skoshi Tiger program was finally ended, but another squadron called 10th Fighter Commando Squadron was established at Bien Hoa AFB soon after (some sources suggest that they just changed their name from the original 4503rd Tactical Fighter Squadron to the new 10th Fighter Commando Squadron). Seven additional F-5 fighters without air-refuelling equipment were assigned to the new squadron which increased the total amount of aircraft to 18. Some sources say that 10th Fighter Commando Squadron was assigned to 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing of USAF at Bien Hoa AFB until 17th April 1967 and their aircraft and equipment were transferred to the Republic of Vietnam Air Force, but another source claimed that the reason that these F-5 fighters removed their air-refuelling equipment was because the Republic of Vietnam Air Force lacked tankers at that time, also Americans didn't want them to invade the North Vietnam area without a permit, which means it was assigned to Republic of Vietnam Air Force at that time. At that time, Skoshi Tiger's name was retained by the pilots of the 10th Fighter Commando Squadron, also some pilots decided to paint tiger stripes on their flight helmet.

Since the new 57 mm anti-air gun had been introduced into the North Vietnam Army by the end of 1966, the NVA finally found their approach to fight against the F-5C Skoshi Tiger formations at medium to high altitudes. From 8th March 1967 to 17th April 1967, the 10th Fighter Commando Squadron conducted 7,321 combat sorties, and 7,537 hours had been flown, including close air support and against missions enemy supply routes. A large amount of munitions had been expended by Skoshi Tigers for these combat missions, including 9,777 napalm canisters, 875 CBU bombs, and 778,566 20 mm rounds, and eight aircraft had been lost, including six aircraft due to ground fire and two aircraft due to engine failure. Seventeen aircraft had received battle damage.

In October 1966, the 10th Fighter Commando Squadron received a new mission at Bien Hoa AFB: to train new Republic of Vietnam Air Force pilots to fly the F-5 fighters for combat missions, and maintenance personnel of the Republic of Vietnam Air Force were trained to maintain the F-5 fighters. At last, twelve remaining F-5A and F-5C fighters were turned over to the Republic of Vietnam Air Force at Bien Hoa AFB on 17th April 1967 from the deactivation of the USAF squadron.

[[File:F-5 fighter jet of NVA.png|thumb|356x356px|F-5 fighter in NVA service]]
Like their American ally, the Republic of Vietnam Air Force also used their F-5 fighters in close air support and supply route missions in the South Vietnam area, which helped the Republic of Vietnam Army a lot in many campaigns. From 1974 to 1975, the North Vietnam Army launched huge offensives from all directions into the Republic of Vietnam, which destroyed many Republic of Vietnam Army forces while occupying many of the Republic of Vietnam's territories, though in many cases, F-5 fighters, A-1 attackers, A-37 attackers and Armed helicopters successfully helped the allied army break the enemy's offensive or carry out retreat operations. However, as the North Vietnamese army gradually occupied the territories of South Vietnam, many Air Force bases were captured by the North Vietnamese army, and F-5 fighters that had not yet taken off or were damaged were captured by North Vietnamese army too. Because of the risk that the US government would send their Combat Forces back to Vietnam, the senior commander of North Vietnam Forces didn't want to use their MiG fighters during these invasion operations, therefore, some of the Republic of Vietnam Air Force pilots who surrendered before were ordered to re-fly their F-5 fighters to attack the positions of the South Vietnamese army, even one time a F-5 fighter dropped a bomb on the square of the presidential palace in Saigon.

As the Vietnam War was finally ended in 1975, the new Vietnam government decided to transfer some American military equipment, such as F-5 fighters, A-37 attackers, and UH-1 helicopters, to the Soviet Union and China in exchange for more support. In China, the captured F-5A Freedom Fighter sent by the Vietnam government was tested with their own J-6 fighter, and it was found that the air combat performance of F-5A fighter not only could completely match their own J-6 fighter, but it also had much better ground attack capability, apart from that, the manufacturing process, aerodynamic design, airborne equipment and other parts of the F-5A fighter also had left a deep impression on Chinese aircraft engineers.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f-5c Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7166-development-top-gun-day-premium-f-5c-in-red-menace-camo-for-pre-order-en|[Devblog] Top Gun Day: Premium F-5C in Red Menace camo for pre-order!]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/519024-f-5a/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer Northrop}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}
{{USA premium aircraft}}

F-5C

2023-10-05T11:10:29Z

U88940890: /* Pros and cons */

{{About
| about = American jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-5 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f-5c
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|StoreImage F-5C 001.jpg|StoreImage F-5C 002.jpg|StoreImage F-5C 003.jpg|StoreImage F-5C 004.jpg|StoreImage F-5C 005.jpg}}
|store=10174
}}

== Description ==

During the Vietnam War, the USAF requested F-5 Freedom Fighters due to the high loss rates of other aircraft in use. The Defense Department originally rejected the proposal but later accepted it in 1965. Codenamed “Skoshi Tiger”, the USAF would use 12 F-5A’s from the Military Assistance Program (MAP) for performance evaluations. They would eventually receive inflight refueling probes, lead-computing gunsight, significant armour on the belly, and designated as the F-5C Skoshi Tiger. The Skoshi Tiger program would later end with the DoD rejecting a second proposal for more F-5’s.

Introduced in [[Update "Red Skies"]] as a premium fighter, the '''{{Specs|name}}''' is an excellent fighter. Firstly, the F-5C has access to countermeasures which is incredibly important for its battle rating. Furthermore, the F-5C has a low heat signature which helps against evading IR missiles. The F-5C also can carry two AIM-9E Sidewinders which are decent but players should not rely on them to get kills. The two 20 mm cannons mounted in the nose will be the primary way of downing enemy aircraft along with its excellent performance. Although it can carry bombs, players should stick to using it as a fighter where it shines.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}

The F-5C is generally an all-round good fighter. It's not the fastest plane and not the most manoeuvrable, but the combination of its decent speed, acceleration, and manoeuvrability make it a joy to fly and fight in. The F-5C has excellent turn rate and energy retention while maintaining a speed above Mach 0.85.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 10,668 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 1,429 || 1,421 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 27.1 || 28.2 || 112.7 || 99.2 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,460 || 1,443 || 26.9 || 27.0 || 159.1 || 133.6
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 926 || 560 || 555 || ~11 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 680 || < 750 || < 700 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric J85-GE-13 || 2
| colspan="2" | 4,051 kg || colspan="3" | 366 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 11m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 37m fuel
|-
| 271 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 4,580 kg || 4,992 kg || 5,463 kg || 5,814 kg || 9,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 11m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 37m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 960 kgf || 1,426 kgf
| 0.62 || 0.57 || 0.52 || 0.49 || 0.32
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 1,200 kgf (1,400 km/h) || 2,459 kgf (1,400 km/h)
| 1.07 || 0.99 || 0.90 || 0.85 || 0.55
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}


Although the F-5C was equipped with armour plates in real life, in-game there is no armour present. This leaves the engine and other critical plates vulnerable to ground fire. However, the F-5C is a relatively small target to hit which counteracts the lack of armour. There are two fuel tanks mounted in the centre of the fuselage behind the pilot and both are self-sealing. The F-5C is surprisingly durable in-game and can take a few hits before being counted as destroyed.

The F-5C also has 60 countermeasures which in combination with the low heat signature, greatly helps with evading IR missiles. Even strong IR missiles like the [[AIM-9L]] can easily be flared off. Unfortunately, the countermeasure drops in pairs so one drop means the loss of two countermeasures. With a mixed loadout, players will only have 15 drops before running out. Due to the F-5C’s battle rating, it’s better to choose standard flares as players will receive 30 drops and radar missiles are not a major threat yet.
[[File:F-5C layout.png|thumb|center|F-5C's layout of components]]

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|M39A2 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* A choice between two presets:
** 2 x 20 mm M39A2 cannons, nose-mounted (280 rpg = 560 total)
** 2 x 20 mm M39A2 cannons + 60 x countermeasures

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}


The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="6%" | 1 !! width="6%" | 2 !! width="6%" | 3 !! width="6%" | 4 !! width="6%" | 5 !! width="6%" | 6 !! width="6%" | 7
| rowspan="12" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_F-5E_(China).png]]</div>
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|250 lb LDGP Mk 81]] bombs
| || || 6 || 6 || 6 || ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[Mk 82 Snakeye (500 lb)|500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|750 lb M117 cone 45]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83]] bombs
| || || 1 || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84]] bombs
| || || || 1 || || ||
|-
! [[BLU-1 incendiary]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] rockets
| || 19 || 19 || || 19 || 19 ||
|-
! [[Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP]] rockets
| || 4 || || || || 4 ||
|-
! [[AGM-12B Bullpup]] missiles
| || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[AIM-9E Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || || || || || || 1
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}

* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
* 18 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (4,500 lb total)
* 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (2,500 lb total)
* 5 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (2,500 lb total)
* 5 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (3,750 lb total)
* 3 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb (2,000 lb total)
* 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 4 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles
* 5 x BLU-1 incendiary bombs
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==


In air RB, the F-5C can be played as both a support and offensive plane. In medium range engagements, it plays well as a support fighter, either baiting enemies to use up missiles with the large amount of flares/chaff or launching missiles at enemies who are chasing friendly aircraft to give a chance to let your teammate get in a better position. In close range engagements, with some effort you can stay on the tail of the enemy, if possible making the enemy pull as many manoeuvres as possible to slow them down so you can get a short burst from the respectable 20 mm cannons mounted in the nose. Due to the plane's characteristics, overshooting an enemy won't be the end of a dogfight, the F-5C is able bleed enough speed in a quick turn to get right back on the enemy if they don't take advantage of the overshoot or if they are going too slow to be able to make any quick counterattack. Being slow and at a disadvantage, which is bad for any other jet at this tier, is especially terrible for this plane. The weak engines compared to its adversaries and the wing shape combine to give you great AoA but poor energy retention. At speeds above Mach 0.9, this is not an issue, but any lower than 850 km/h you will start to lose speed rapidly in a sharp turn. It is therefore recommended to pick 1v1 fights against weaker aircraft or enlist the help of teammates to take down the enemy. Another useful tip when grinding with the F-5C is to take an 2000 lb bomb and 2 BLU-1 incendiary bombs to drop on one base before turning around and going back for air targets on the way back to the base.

In mixed ground battles (RB), the F-5C is able to function as a light strike aircraft, while also being able to maintain air supremacy. The F-5C's versatile loadout of air-to-ground ordnance allows the player to choose what range they want to do air support, for example the 4 x AGM-12B loadout is great for medium range engagements against enemy ground units.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Small size makes for a harder target to hit
* Has countermeasures
* Guns are effective
* Good turn rate
* Great energy retention above Mach 0.85
* Wide variety of weapon loadouts
* Engine does not tend to overheat even in afterburners

'''Cons:'''

* Only two fairly weak AIM-9Es air-to-air missiles
* No radar
* Below average top speed
* No CCIP or CCRP for guns, rockets, or bombs, limiting its ground attack potential
* very Weak engines just able to push mach 1 with a payload

== History ==

In 1965, after the outbreak of the Vietnam War, the US government decided to send troops to South Vietnam to counter the threat of North Vietnamese forces. At that time, many tactical wings of USAF were sent to Thailand and South Vietnam for Operation Rolling Thunder, as well as to support the South Vietnam Army in countering the Viet Cong forces in the South Vietnam. In the meantime, many countries were reluctant to purchase the F-5, as it hadn't yet been adopted by the USAF. Thus, the USAF decided to let Colonel Frank Emory lead a special provisional squadron named 4503rd Tactical Fighter Squadron to take the new F-5 fighters into the Vietnam War, an excellent chance to prove that F-5 could do its job well in regional conflicts: this combat evaluation project was named "Skoshi Tiger".

[[File:Skoshi Tiger welcome banner AFHRA.png|left|thumb|343x343px|The welcome banner of F-5C Skoshi Tiger in Bien Hoa AFB, Vietnam.]]
To extend the combat capability of the Skoshi Tiger, Northrop made some modifications to the original F-5A Freedom Fighter, such as an external fixed refuelling probe on the left side of the forward fuselage that could receive fuel from a KC-135 tanker to extend the combat radius for some long-range missions. The total weight of the Skoshi Tiger's in-flight refuelling system was 85 pounds, but it could be removed if necessary. To improve the survivability of the Skoshi Tiger against enemy ground fire, two 1/4 inch-thick face-hardened steel armour plates were mounted externally on the fuselage, the function of the front plate was to protect the pilot and control mechanisms, and the aft plate protected vital hydraulic and control areas near the tail section, which added 236 pounds to the overall weight, there were five jettison-able pylons in total under the wings and fuselage like the original F-5A Freedom Fighter, other improvements such as better throttle linkage for improved afterburner modulation and the deletion of the rudder limiter were also implemented on the Skoshi Tiger.

The official name of "Skoshi Tiger" is F-5C. Five F-5A-15 and seven F-5A-20 originally destined to allied countries were withdrawn and sent to 4503rd Tactical Fighter Squadron after received those modifications. Some sources claim that USAF wanted 200 F-5 fighters which could be used in Vietnam War, in which the Skoshi Tiger program would be divided into three parts, and 4503rd Tactical Fighter Squadron was the first part who were sent to Bien Hoa AFB to attack the ground targets in South Vietnam.

On 23rd October 1965, Skoshi Tigers of 4503rd Tactical Fighter Squadron finally arrived at Bien Hoa AFB and started their combat evaluation missions. In their first combat evaluation mission on the same day, two Skoshi Tigers each carried four 500-pound bombs and 500 rounds of 20 mm ammunition to strike a Viet Cong concentration, they made five bomb runs and two strafing passes over the target, luckily these two F-5C Skoshi Tigers didn't encounter any anti-air fire in the combat zone at that time. The squadron worked as an independent combat unit until it was attached to the Bien Hoa AFB-based 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing which the latter was equipped with North American F-100D and F-100F Super Sabre fighter.

Through the end of December 1965, F-5C Skoshi Tigers usually flew their combat missions within 40 miles of their home base, and the only loss happened on 16th December 1965 due to the enemy's ground fire. By the end of the month, Skoshi Tigers had flown 1,531 sorties and finished 496 missions in total, they spent 3,110,886 pounds of ordnance against Viet Cong targets and claimed to destroy 1,377 structures with another 1,292 damaged in their Phase I combat evaluation test missions.

After that, 4503rd Tactical Fighter Squadron moved to Da Nang Forward Base for their Phase II combat evaluation test missions, which would test if F-5C Skoshi Tigers could survive in combat zones with heavy anti-air defense in North Vietnam, also providing a wonderful chance for Skoshi Tigers to prove their air combat capability by destroying any North Vietnamese aircraft in the air. However, because the combat operations near North Vietnam were forbidden by the order of the president, Skoshi Tigers lost their chance against the enemy's MiG fighters, so they changed their targets to Viet Cong troops in Laos, and air-refuelling were needed for these combat missions in Laos. From the start of the Phase II combat evaluation on 3rd January 1966 to their end on the 30th, Skoshi Tigers flew almost 400 sorties and successfully destroyed six bridges.

The Phase III combat evaluation tests started on 2nd February 1966 when the Skoshi Tigers returned to Bien Hoa AFB, and their primary mission was to support the third Army Corps. During these days (the duration of the Phase III combat test, depending on different source was 10 to 21 days), Skoshi Tigers made 348 combat sorties, the combat load carried by the Skoshi Tigers during this phase averaged 2,603 lbs per sortie.

Though the original plan was scheduled that the Skoshi Tiger program would be ended after the end of Phase III combat missions, 4503rd Tactical Fighter Squadron returned to Da Nang AFB on 20th February 1966 again because USAF still wanted to find chances to test the true survivability of F-5C fighters in combat zones with heavy anti-air defense in North Vietnam, also they wanted a chance to prove that F-5C fighters could counter any Communist MiG fighters, so the original Skoshi Tiger program was extended to Phase IV at that time. During the first week, because of bad weather conditions, F-5C fighters were driven away from Laos, but since the weather got better on 1st March 1966, they obtained permission to conduct their combat test missions on the borders of North Vietnam and South Vietnam for the first time. The Skoshi Tigers not only did ground attack role but some of them also carried two AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles to perform air escort missions for allied aircraft, they logged 176 combat sorties on 45 missions over North Vietnam and Laos area, also they spent 5,923 rounds of 20 mm ammunition and 543 M117 750 lb bombs during these combat missions until 10th March 1966.

On 8th March 1966, the Skoshi Tiger program was finally ended, but another squadron called 10th Fighter Commando Squadron was established at Bien Hoa AFB soon after (some sources suggest that they just changed their name from the original 4503rd Tactical Fighter Squadron to the new 10th Fighter Commando Squadron). Seven additional F-5 fighters without air-refuelling equipment were assigned to the new squadron which increased the total amount of aircraft to 18. Some sources say that 10th Fighter Commando Squadron was assigned to 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing of USAF at Bien Hoa AFB until 17th April 1967 and their aircraft and equipment were transferred to the Republic of Vietnam Air Force, but another source claimed that the reason that these F-5 fighters removed their air-refuelling equipment was because the Republic of Vietnam Air Force lacked tankers at that time, also Americans didn't want them to invade the North Vietnam area without a permit, which means it was assigned to Republic of Vietnam Air Force at that time. At that time, Skoshi Tiger's name was retained by the pilots of the 10th Fighter Commando Squadron, also some pilots decided to paint tiger stripes on their flight helmet.

Since the new 57 mm anti-air gun had been introduced into the North Vietnam Army by the end of 1966, the NVA finally found their approach to fight against the F-5C Skoshi Tiger formations at medium to high altitudes. From 8th March 1967 to 17th April 1967, the 10th Fighter Commando Squadron conducted 7,321 combat sorties, and 7,537 hours had been flown, including close air support and against missions enemy supply routes. A large amount of munitions had been expended by Skoshi Tigers for these combat missions, including 9,777 napalm canisters, 875 CBU bombs, and 778,566 20 mm rounds, and eight aircraft had been lost, including six aircraft due to ground fire and two aircraft due to engine failure. Seventeen aircraft had received battle damage.

In October 1966, the 10th Fighter Commando Squadron received a new mission at Bien Hoa AFB: to train new Republic of Vietnam Air Force pilots to fly the F-5 fighters for combat missions, and maintenance personnel of the Republic of Vietnam Air Force were trained to maintain the F-5 fighters. At last, twelve remaining F-5A and F-5C fighters were turned over to the Republic of Vietnam Air Force at Bien Hoa AFB on 17th April 1967 from the deactivation of the USAF squadron.

[[File:F-5 fighter jet of NVA.png|thumb|356x356px|F-5 fighter in NVA service]]
Like their American ally, the Republic of Vietnam Air Force also used their F-5 fighters in close air support and supply route missions in the South Vietnam area, which helped the Republic of Vietnam Army a lot in many campaigns. From 1974 to 1975, the North Vietnam Army launched huge offensives from all directions into the Republic of Vietnam, which destroyed many Republic of Vietnam Army forces while occupying many of the Republic of Vietnam's territories, though in many cases, F-5 fighters, A-1 attackers, A-37 attackers and Armed helicopters successfully helped the allied army break the enemy's offensive or carry out retreat operations. However, as the North Vietnamese army gradually occupied the territories of South Vietnam, many Air Force bases were captured by the North Vietnamese army, and F-5 fighters that had not yet taken off or were damaged were captured by North Vietnamese army too. Because of the risk that the US government would send their Combat Forces back to Vietnam, the senior commander of North Vietnam Forces didn't want to use their MiG fighters during these invasion operations, therefore, some of the Republic of Vietnam Air Force pilots who surrendered before were ordered to re-fly their F-5 fighters to attack the positions of the South Vietnamese army, even one time a F-5 fighter dropped a bomb on the square of the presidential palace in Saigon.

As the Vietnam War was finally ended in 1975, the new Vietnam government decided to transfer some American military equipment, such as F-5 fighters, A-37 attackers, and UH-1 helicopters, to the Soviet Union and China in exchange for more support. In China, the captured F-5A Freedom Fighter sent by the Vietnam government was tested with their own J-6 fighter, and it was found that the air combat performance of F-5A fighter not only could completely match their own J-6 fighter, but it also had much better ground attack capability, apart from that, the manufacturing process, aerodynamic design, airborne equipment and other parts of the F-5A fighter also had left a deep impression on Chinese aircraft engineers.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f-5c Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7166-development-top-gun-day-premium-f-5c-in-red-menace-camo-for-pre-order-en|[Devblog] Top Gun Day: Premium F-5C in Red Menace camo for pre-order!]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/519024-f-5a/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer Northrop}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}
{{USA premium aircraft}}